Cricket

Indian Cricket Team Honors Late Anshuman Gaekwad with Black ArmbandsThe Indian cricket team paid a heartfelt tribute to former batsman and coach Anshuman Gaekwad, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 71, by wearing black armbands during the opening ODI of the three-match series against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Friday.Gaekwad, a renowned figure in Indian cricket, had been battling blood cancer for an extended period. His demise sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity, with tributes pouring in from all corners.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a statement expressing its condolences: "Team India is wearing black armbands today in memory of former Indian cricketer and coach Aunshuman Gaekwad, who passed away on Wednesday."Indian captain Rohit Sharma shared his grief and admiration for Gaekwad: "I was absolutely devastated to hear that news. I was lucky to have a few conversations with him during the BCCI awards, and on a personal note as well."Sharma recalled Gaekwad's guidance during his Ranji Trophy days: "When I was playing Ranji Trophy, he was there and he had a few things to talk about my game as well, which was overwhelming for me because he was such a great cricketer for us.""It's always nice when you learn from your seniors, understand how cricket was played back in the day, how tough it was and then to pass on his experiences on cricket and what his visions are about cricket. For me to understand that was a great learning at that point," Sharma added.Gaekwad's legacy extends beyond his playing career. As a coach, he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of several young cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar. His contributions to Indian cricket will be forever remembered.

Former India coach and Australian legend Greg Chappell has joined the chorus of cricketing greats sending messages of support to Anshuman Gaekwad, the former India batsman and coach who is battling blood cancer. In a heartfelt video message, Chappell expressed his admiration for Gaekwad's fighting spirit, both on and off the field."Hi Anshuman, it's Greg Chappell here from Australia. Very sorry to hear about your health problems at the moment. But no doubt, all your family are giving you great support, and all your friends will be sending you lots of love as well," Chappell said."But more than that, the cricket community from around the world and particularly those that played against you and those who saw you play will be sending lots of positive energy your way as well. So no doubt, you got lots of fighting spirit. You showed that plenty of times on the cricket field. That fighting spirit is going to coming in handy now. But all of the positive energy that's coming your away from all around the world will no doubt help. I look forward to hearing some good news, so cheers!"Gaekwad, 71, is currently hospitalized in Baroda after undergoing treatment for blood cancer at the King's College Hospital in London. He has received an outpouring of support from the cricketing fraternity, including Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri, Clive Lloyd, Andy Roberts, Farokh Engineer, Dilip Vengsarkar, Roger Binny, Mohinder Amarnath, Sandeep Patil, Karsan Ghavri, Balwinder Singh Sandhu, and actor Nana Patekar."The messages dad received from these greats were not just emotional, but assuring that he'll be fine soon. Dad is feeling much better now, and asked me to call and thank each one of these greats for this gesture. His vital organs are stable, and he wants to go home," Gaekwad's son Shatrunjay told TOI.The BCCI has provided Rs 1 crore for Gaekwad's treatment, while the India's 1983 World Cup-winning team has also collected funds for him. "We all made an effort, did whatever we could do, because help begins at home. We've a whatsaap group of the 1983 team, where we spoke about it, and we contributed our pensions. We did it because we are all enamoured by 'Charlie' Anshuman Gaekwad. He was a gutsy player. People like him and Jimmy (Mohinder) Amarnath are role models for many of us. The way he conducted himself on a cricket field, facing the fiercest of fast bowlers, getting hit on the head and the body," said Kirti Azad, a member of that side.Gaekwad played 40 Test matches for India, scoring 1985 runs at an average of 30.07, and 269 runs in 15 ODIs. He is known for his fearless batting and his ability to play spin bowling with ease.

Kapil Dev's Emotional Message to Anshuman Gaekwad: 'Don't Let Us Down'Former India cricket captain Kapil Dev has shared an emotional video message for Anshuman Gaekwad, who is battling cancer. Kapil's message comes after he urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to provide financial assistance to Anshuman, who was struggling to arrange funds for his treatment.In his message, Kapil recalled the good times he shared with Anshuman on the cricket field. He remembered Anshuman's captaincy and his impressive double century against Pakistan in Jalandhar. Kapil urged Anshuman to continue his fight against cancer, reminding him of his fighting spirit on the field."I know you are going through a rough time, but it doesn't matter, we have all gone through rough times in life," Kapil said. "Difficult times come and go, but I know that you are a fighter. Come on, cheer up and try to live a life, whatever God has given you."Kapil acknowledged that everyone has to leave this world one day, but he encouraged Anshuman to keep fighting. "We all have to go one day, but the best part about human beings is fighting it out the way you fight it out on the cricket field," he said.Kapil expressed his love and support for Anshuman, saying that the entire cricket community was proud of him. He promised to celebrate with Anshuman once he recovers."We had a good time. You just look after yourself. It doesn't matter whatever happened, it happened for good, and I think you are a wonderful person," Kapil said. "We had great stories to talk about. We have a lot to talk about, but firstly you need to get well soon. We will have coffee together and if nothing, then we can have a little drink together as well."

BCCI Extends Financial Support to Former Cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad Battling CancerThe Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has swiftly responded to the medical crisis faced by former Indian cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. BCCI secretary Jay Shah has directed the Apex Council to immediately release a sum of Rs 1 crore to provide financial assistance to the veteran player.Shah has personally reached out to Gaekwad's family to assess the situation and offer any necessary assistance. The BCCI has assured that they will closely monitor Gaekwad's progress throughout his treatment and remain optimistic about his ability to overcome this challenging phase. The cricket board has expressed its unwavering support for the former player and his family during this difficult time.Former India captain Kapil Dev has also urged the BCCI to extend financial support to his former colleague Gaekwad. Gaekwad, aged 71, has been battling health issues, and his treatment has been ongoing.Dev, who led India to title win in the 1983 World Cup, said that a group of former cricketers has come together to raise funds for Gaekwad's medical expenses. The group includes notable names such as Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Madan Lal, and Ravi Shastri, among others. These former players have been actively involved in the fundraising efforts to support their fellow cricketer during his time of need.The BCCI's prompt action and the support extended by former cricketers demonstrate the strong bond and camaraderie within the Indian cricket fraternity. Gaekwad, who played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India, is a respected figure in the cricketing world. His contributions to Indian cricket have been significant, and the support he is receiving during this challenging time is a testament to his legacy.

India's iconic World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev, has appealed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to extend financial support to his former teammate, Anshuman Gaekwad, who is battling blood cancer. Gaekwad, 71, has been receiving treatment at King's College Hospital in London for the past year.Kapil expressed his anguish over Gaekwad's condition, stating, "It is a sad and very depressing situation. I am in pain because I have played alongside Anshu and can't bear to see him in this state. No one should suffer." He emphasized the need for the BCCI to step in and provide financial assistance to the former India head coach.Kapil revealed that several of his former teammates, including Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Madan Lal, Ravi Shastri, and Kirti Azad, are actively involved in fundraising efforts for Gaekwad's treatment. He expressed confidence that the BCCI would take cognizance of the matter and extend support.However, Kapil lamented the lack of a structured system to assist former players in such situations. He suggested the formation of a Trust where former players could contribute their pension amounts to support those in need. "We are ready to contribute by donating our pension amount if the family allows us to," he said.Gaekwad's cricketing legacy is significant. He represented India in 40 Tests and 15 ODIs between 1975 and 1987. He later served as India's head coach in two separate stints. His contributions to Indian cricket have been immense, and his current health condition has evoked widespread concern and sympathy.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a generous reward of Rs. 125 crore for the victorious Indian team after their triumph in the T20 World Cup 2024. However, amidst the celebrations, calls have emerged to extend financial support to former Indian cricketer and head coach Anshuman Gaekwad, who is currently battling blood cancer.Gaekwad, 71, played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India between 1974 and 1987. He also served as India's head coach during two spells in the late 1990s. During his first stint, India finished runners-up to New Zealand in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy (later known as the Champions Trophy).Former BCCI chairman of selectors Sandeep Patil, who played alongside Gaekwad, has been vocal in urging the BCCI to provide financial assistance. Patil revealed that he had a conversation with BCCI treasurer Ashish Shelar regarding the issue and received assurances of support."Anshuman Gaekwad told me that he has received financial support from the cricket board, but more financial support is needed," Patil wrote in his column on Mid-Day. "I'm sure he will facilitate this and, at the risk of sounding macabre, save Anshu's life. Any cricketer from any country should be helped by his Board, but Anshu's case must be taken up on priority and treated as paramount."Patil also highlighted the fact that Sachin Tendulkar had been in his best form during Gaekwad's tenure as head coach. "Sachin Tendulkar was at his peak during Anshuman Gaekwad's tenure as coach," Patil wrote. "He was the one who gave Sachin the freedom to play his natural game."Gaekwad is currently receiving treatment at the King's College Hospital in London. His condition is said to be stable, but he requires ongoing medical care. The BCCI has previously provided financial support to Gaekwad, but more is needed to cover his ongoing expenses.The calls for financial assistance to Gaekwad have resonated with the Indian cricket fraternity. Former players and fans have expressed their support and urged the BCCI to step up and provide the necessary assistance.