Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Anshuman Gaekwad, fondly known as "Charlie" among his friends, possessed a unique combination of toughness as a cricketer and likeability as a person. This rare blend is not often seen, not just in cricket, but in life itself. Gaekwad’s journey in cricket began at an early age, and he quickly rose to prominence as one of the youngest captains in the Indian first-class cricket scene. Despite his early promise and leadership qualities, he never captained the national team. This was due in part to his involvement in only 40 of the 90 Tests India played during his decade-long career, and in part to the emergence of a younger captain, Kapil Dev. His father, Dattajirao Gaekwad, had also left his mark on Indian cricket by leading the national team on a tour of England in 1959.
Gaekwad’s comprehensive understanding of the sport and his nuanced insights were not lost to Indian cricket. Post-retirement, he significantly influenced the game in various capacities, including as a manager, selector, and member of the BCCI’s apex council. His gentle yet persuasive voice played a pivotal role in shaping Indian cricket, reflecting his deep passion and commitment to the sport.
Gaekwad’s contributions were particularly crucial during two major transitional phases in Indian cricket. When he made his debut, the Indian team was in a phase of rebuilding after a disastrous tour of England and the removal of Ajit Wadekar as captain. The team needed a resilient batter who could endure pressure and make bowlers work hard. Gaekwad perfectly fit this role. Opening the batting with Sunil Gavaskar, he provided the kind of stability that the middle-order batters had lacked during a period when the nation was fervently debating who could be Gavaskar’s ideal partner. Gaekwad’s presence at the crease offered respite and allowed the subsequent batters to play more freely.
Gaekwad’s reputation as a player of immense grit and substance was established early in his career. At just 22, he made his debut against the formidable West Indies. In his very first Test, he crossed paths with an incoming batter who had been hit in the face by Andy Roberts – none other than his hero and captain, Tiger Pataudi. Gaekwad’s crucial 36 in a low-scoring match, which India won, followed by an impressive 80 in the next, which also resulted in an Indian victory, marked his arrival on the international stage. His prowess was further highlighted when he scored a century against the tourists for Combined Universities, showcasing his elegance in driving off the front foot. As he began to consistently face fast bowling, he became more adept at playing off the back foot.
Defining Moments and Legacy of Grit
One of the defining moments of Gaekwad’s career came during the infamous "bloodbath" Test in Kingston, Jamaica. In this brutal match, five Indian batters were absent hurt in the second innings. Despite the carnage, Gaekwad, along with Sunil Gavaskar, added 136 runs for the opening wicket before he was forced to retire hurt after a nasty blow to the ear from Michael Holding. The injury required surgery, but Gaekwad’s courage was evident as he had previously batted with a broken finger, using one of the remaining fingers to communicate a universally understood gesture to Holding.
Gaekwad’s highest Test score, a monumental 201 against Pakistan, spanned over 11 hours, a testament to his extraordinary patience and resilience. While India has produced more flamboyant batters and perhaps better catchers at slip, Gaekwad’s sheer courage in facing the world’s fastest bowlers with little more than a strong heart and indomitable spirit set him apart. His legacy is defined more by his guts and tenacity than by mere batting or bowling figures, which is a remarkable achievement in itself.
Transition to Coaching and Administration
After his playing days, Gaekwad transitioned into coaching and administration, continuing to serve Indian cricket with distinction. As India’s head coach in the late 1990s, he guided the team to notable victories, including a memorable 2-1 Test series win against Australia and a tri-series triumph in Sharjah, where Sachin Tendulkar’s back-to-back centuries against Australia became legendary. He was also at the helm when Anil Kumble took all ten wickets in an innings against Pakistan in 1999, securing a famous victory for India.
Gaekwad’s contributions extended beyond coaching the national team. He worked for Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals and served as the president of the Indian Cricketers' Association. His dedication to the sport was recognised in 2018 when he received the C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honour conferred by the BCCI on a former player.
In his personal life, Gaekwad was married to Jyoti Gaekwad, a talented painter. The couple had two sons, Annirudha and Shatrunjay, both of whom followed in their father's footsteps and pursued cricket, with Shatrunjay representing Baroda in the Ranji Trophy. Tragically, Gaekwad passed away on July 31, 2024, at the age of 71, after battling leukaemia. His illness prompted financial support from the cricket community and the BCCI, reflecting the high regard in which he was held by his peers.
Sunil Gavaskar and Jay Shah were among those who expressed their condolences, highlighting Gaekwad’s enduring legacy of courage and commitment to Indian cricket. His international career, spanning 12 years, included 40 Tests and 15 ODIs. Known for his bravery, he never hesitated to take blows on the body for the team. His average of just over 30, with two Test centuries, might not seem extraordinary, but his double hundred against Pakistan in 1983, lasting 671 minutes, was the slowest 200 in first-class cricket at the time. His 81 against the West Indies in the 1975-76 Test in Kingston, played under relentless pressure from some of the fastest bowlers of the era, remains a highlight of his career.
Gaekwad’s coaching tenure saw the emergence of players like Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, and Yuvraj Singh, who would go on to become key figures in Indian cricket. His influence extended to the international arena as well, with a brief stint as the coach of the Kenyan cricket team. Gaekwad’s role as a selector and his continued involvement in cricket administration underscored his lifelong dedication to the sport.
In conclusion, Anshuman Gaekwad’s life and career were characterised by his unwavering commitment, extraordinary courage, and deep understanding of cricket. His legacy is one of resilience, leadership, and an indomitable spirit that continues to inspire future generations. Gaekwad’s contributions, both on and off the field, have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket, ensuring that he will be remembered with respect and admiration for years to come.