Former India cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad cremated

Gaekwad, who had been diagnosed with blood cancer in 2023, had recently travelled to London to seek treatment before returning to Vadodara. After his death, his mortal remains were taken to his residence in Sevasi, from where a funeral procession was taken out till Kirti Mandir, where the last rites were performed around 1.30 pm.

President of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Roger Binny, former wicket-keepers Nayan Mogia and Kiran More, along with several former and current office-bearers of Baroda Cricket Association were present during the last rites performed by his son Shatrunjay Gaekwad.

Chief Whip of the Gujarat government and Raopura MLA Balkrishna Shukla, Vadodara BJP president Vijay Shah and Gujarat Congress leader Narendra Ravat also attended the cremation.

After he was diagnosed with cancer, his colleagues had come out in his support. Last month, former India cricketers Kapil Dev and Sandeep Patil had requested the BCCI to help Gaekwad financially. Following this, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah had released Rs 1 crore for his treatment.

Tributes poured in from colleagues as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who took to X saying, “Shri Anshuman Gaekwad Ji will be remembered for his contribution to cricket. He was a gifted player and an outstanding coach. Pained by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”

Gaekwad, who played 40 Test matches and 15 One Day Internationals for India between 1975 and 1987, was nicknamed ‘The Great Wall’ for his defensive techniques. He was also the coach of the Indian team that finished runners-up at the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy. Further, he played 205 first-class matches in a career spanning 22 years.