Cricketers react to the demise of legendary India captain Ajit Wadekar
Former Indian cricket captain Ajit Wadekar, who led India to their first ever Test series victories in West Indies and England passed away at the age of 77 in Mumbai on Wednesday.
An aggressive left-handed batsman, Wadekar died at the Jaslok Hospital in South Mumbai after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Cricket had come to him by chance and it was only after he met former Indian cricketer Baloo Gupte during a bus ride to the Elphinstone College that he started playing the game. But that could prevent the impeccable success he had in the Indian cricket circuit going on to become one of the country’s greatest ever captain.
It was under him that India not only beat the mighty West Indies and England in their own soil but also went on to win three successive Test series for the first time in their history – beating West Indies and England in 1970-71 and once again the touring English side in 1971-72.
Also Read: Former India cricket captain Ajit Wadekar passes way at the age of 77
His contribution to Indian cricket despite not playing many matches – he played 37 Tests and two ODIs remains unparalled and many current and former Indian cricketers expressed their grief and offered their condolences on the demise of the legendary skipper.
V sad news-Ajit Wadekar passing away-only Indn Capt to win 3 series in a row-2 away 1 at home-ALW was good contemporary-we had differences o opinion but always respected glory o Crkt-fine batsman & great close in catch-served Indn Crkt w/aplomb as player/Selectr/Coach-RIP Jeetu!
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) August 15, 2018
Sad moment for Indian cricket to lose one of its most successful captains. Shrewd to the core. Condolences to the entire family #TeamIndia #RIPAjitWadekar pic.twitter.com/0xC0fv3Ark
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) August 15, 2018
Extremely sad to hear the passing of Ajit Wadekar ji. Thoughts and prayers with his family. His legacy will go on for ever.
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) August 15, 2018
Saddened to hear about the passing away of Ajit Wadekar Sir. He was a great captain who led India to series wins in England and West Indies in 1971. May his soul rest in peace. #RIPAjitWadekar pic.twitter.com/O2NTykieqb
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) August 15, 2018
Extremely saddened by the news that former Indian cricket captain #AjitWadekar is no more. He led India to many historic victories! My condolences to the friends & family! RIP Sir, you will always be missed!
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) August 15, 2018
The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) also took to social media to grief about the passing of the former cricketer, manager, coach and national selector.
With a heavy heart we bid adieu to Ajit Wadekar. The former India captain is no more. Cricketer, Coach, Manager and Chairman of Selectors – Mr Wadekar served Indian cricket in many different ways. pic.twitter.com/6zdFtleXB9
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 15, 2018
Deeply saddened by the demise of an iconic Indian cricketer Ajit Wadekar ji. Thoughts with his family and close ones. May his soul rest in peace.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) August 15, 2018
Prime-Minister Narendra Modi who is very active on social media also expressed his grief on the passing away of the iconic cricket captain.
Ajit Wadekar will be remembered for his rich contribution to Indian cricket. A great batsman & wonderful captain, he led our team to some of the most memorable victories in our cricketing history. He was also respected as an effective cricket administrator. Pained by his demise.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2018
The Arjuna award (1967) winner also became the first Indian captain to win three successive series when India beat the touring English side 2-1 in 1972-73. He was also bestowed with the Padmashri award in the same year.
Wadekar went on to play 37 Test matches plundering 2113 runs at an average of 31.07 with 14 half-centuries and one hundred. He also played two One-Day internationals scoring 73 runs.
In first-class cricket, he represented Bombay and led them to four Ranji Trophy triumphs in 1968-69, 1969-70, 1971-72 and 1972-73 scoring 15,380 runs with 36 centuries and 84 half-centuries.
After retiring from the game in 1974, Wadekar went on to serve as the manager of the Indian cricket team during Mohammad Azharuddin’s captaincy in the 1990s. He remains one of the only three players to represent the country as a Test player, captain, coach or manager and the chairman of selectors. Lala Amarnath and Chandu Borde are the other two players to achieve this distinction.
So many memories of Ajit Wadekar. None more powerful than leading India to series wins in 1971 in England and the West Indies. Much admired, much loved. Page in Indian cricket and in our memories.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 15, 2018
Deeply saddened by the passing away of
Ajit Wadekar; a successful captain who led India to its 1st-ever series win. His style of batting influenced many and I join cricket fans across India in grief.
RIP ?? pic.twitter.com/alpI5cfMX7— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) August 15, 2018