"A remarkable cricketer and an even greater mentor" - Cricket fraternity mourns death of former Indian batter and coach Anshuman Gaekwad

A sad day in the cricketing world and Indian cricket ensued with the news of former batter and coach Anshuman Gaekwad passing away at 71 on Wednesday, July 31. After a long battle with cancer with subsequent treatment in London until last month, Gaekwad died in Baroda.

The Mumbai-born cricketer played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India from 1975 to 1987. Gaekwad scored over 2,000 runs across the two formats with two centuries and 11 half-centuries.

Following his playing career, he was the head coach of the Indian side in two separate stints from 1997 to 1999 and in 2000. Team India achieved several terrific results under Gaekwad, including defeating Australia and South Africa in consecutive outings to reach the 2000 Champions Trophy final.

While several former teammates of Gaekwad had wished him a speedy recovery during his battle with cancer, his unfortunate demise had cricketers pay tribute on X with the following reactions:

The condolences continued to flow in for Gaekwad from former cricketers with WV Raman saying:

"Very sad to hear about the passing away of Anshuman Gaekwad, a gutsy senior cricketer, who became a friend later on. Rest in peace, Anshu...Om shanthi."

"Anshuman Gaekwad's sir demise is a heartbreaking news. Have fond memories of making my Test debut under his coaching. A thorough gentleman. Indian cricket will be poorer in his absence. Rest in Peace. Condolences to family," tweeted Harbhajan Singh.

"Pained by the demise of AnshumanGaikwad ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti," VVS Laxman tweeted.

Sunil Gavaskar pays heartfelt tribute to Anshuman Gaekwad

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar paid a heartfelt tribute to Anshuman Gaekwad, calling him one of India's bravest cricketers ever.

Gaekwad's ODI debut came in India's opening game of the 1975 World Cup where Gavaskar opened the batting and he batted at No.3.

In a conversation with Times of India after Gaekwad's passing, Gavaskar said:

"I was privileged to play with three of the bravest cricketers in Indian cricket. Eknath Solkar, Jimmy Amarnath and Anshuman Gaekwad. Very depressing news but 'Charlie' (Gaekwad) showed here again that he wasn't going to give his life's wicket easily and fought right till the end."

Anshuman Gaekwad was honored with the C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award - the most prestigious honor by the BCCI for a former player in 2018.

He was nicknamed the Great Wall during his playing days, thanks to his solid defense and tenacious mindset.