Former India cricketer and coach Anshuman Gaekwad dies aged 71

Gaekwad made his debut against the West Indies in December 1974 and went on to play 40 Test matches and 15 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for India

PHOTO: AFP

The Indian cricket community is mourning the loss of former cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 71 after a long struggle with cancer.

Gaekwad, who had been battling blood cancer, was undergoing treatment at King's College Hospital in London before returning to India last month.

Gaekwad made his debut against the West Indies in December 1974 and went on to play 40 Test matches and 15 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for India.

During his Test career, he accumulated 1985 runs at an average of 30.07, including two centuries and ten half-centuries. One of his standout performances was his double century against Pakistan in Jalandhar during the 1982-83 series.

Following his playing career, Gaekwad continued to contribute to Indian cricket as a coach. Under his leadership, the Indian team finished as runners-up in the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy.