Cricket

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.

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.