Anshuman Gaekwad Passes Away at 71: Indian Cricket Mourns the Loss of Legendary Opener and Coach
When Gaekwad assumed the role of head coach of the Indian national cricket team in late 1997, he took charge of a talented roster searching for consistency. His low-profile, no-nonsense management style created a calm atmosphere behind the scenes. Under his leadership, India recorded landmark international triumphs.
He oversaw the historic Coca-Cola Cup victory in Sharjah in April 1998, where Sachin Tendulkar produced his iconic back-to-back centuries against Australia. Months earlier, India pulled off an improbable chase of 315 runs against Pakistan in fading light to win the Silver Jubilee Independence Cup in Dhaka. In 1999, during a tense home series against Pakistan, Gaekwad stood in the dressing room at the Feroz Shah Kotla as Anil Kumble claimed all 10 wickets in a single Test innings. Gaekwad never sought the limelight for these milestones; he viewed his responsibility as shielding the players and letting their talent dictate the result.