Kapil Dev recently expressed his heartfelt sentiments toward his former India teammate Anshuman Gaekwad, who is currently fighting blood cancer and undergoing treatment in London. Dev conveyed his desire to reconnect over a coffee or drink once Anshuman's health improves.
The former captain of India's World Cup-winning team shared his support for Anshuman during this challenging time, reminiscing about their time spent together on the field. He fondly recalled moments when they captained each other and offered his prayers for Anshuman's recovery. Kapil emphasised that he has much to discuss with Anshuman and looks forward to their reunion.
"Hi Anshu, I know you're facing a tough time, but remember, we all encounter difficulties in life. I cherish the good memories we've shared. I’ll never forget the first time I played under your leadership, and I recall when I captained the team, and you scored two centuries against Pakistan in Jalandhar. Difficult moments will pass, but I believe in your strength as a fighter. Keep your spirits up and embrace life as it comes. I wish you a swift recovery and happiness," Kapil stated in a video shared by journalist Vijay Lokapally.
It was also Kapil who advocated for the BCCI to provide financial support to Anshuman during his illness. In response, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced a financial aid of Rs 1 crore for Anshuman, personally reaching out to his family to offer support during this trying period.
"We all have our time, but the beauty of humanity is in battling through challenges, just as you do on the cricket pitch. Whatever happens is meant to be. I hope we meet soon and celebrate together. We’ve had wonderful times, and there's so much to discuss. But first, focus on your recovery. We'll catch up over coffee, or even share a drink. Take care of yourself. You are cherished by the entire cricket community, and we are all proud of you. Remember, don’t let us down—take care, Anshu. Love you."
Kapil also mentioned his efforts to rally support for Gaekwad alongside several former cricketers, including Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Madan Lal, Ravi Shastri, and Kirti Azad, before the BCCI announced its financial assistance.