Indian cricket mourns the loss
13th February marked a somber day in the annals of Indian cricket as the nation bid farewell to one of its stalwart cricketers. Dattajirao Gaikwad, the former captain of Team India, breathed his last at the age of 95. Gaikwad, who played 11 test matches for the country, was also India’s oldest Test cricketer, leaving behind a legacy that reverberates through the sport’s history.
Sad to hear that Dattajirao Gaekwad, India's oldest living Test cricketer is no more. He represented #TeamIndia in 11 matches & captained the 1959 England tour. He also led Baroda to their 1st #RanjiTrophy victory in 1958. My sincere condolences to his family. @gaeky @BCCI pic.twitter.com/YYg6XUoRoH
---Advertisement---— Parimal Nathwani (@mpparimal) February 13, 2024
A glorious era: Captaining India, leading Baroda to Ranji Trophy triumph
Dattajirao Gaikwad’s illustrious career saw him don the captain’s hat during the England tour in 1959. Under his leadership, the Baroda team clinched the Ranji Trophy title in the 1957-58 season, adding a feather to his cap. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed profound grief over his demise, commemorating the cricketing legend with a heartfelt tribute.
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In a social media post adorned with Gaikwad’s photo, the BCCI extended condolences to his family, friends, and all those close to him, acknowledging his significant contributions to Indian cricket.
A cricketing family mourns: Father of Anshuman Gaikwad
Notably, Dattajirao Gaikwad was not just a cricketing luminary but also the father of Anshuman Gaikwad, another cricketer who donned the Indian jersey. Anshuman Gaikwad, following in his father’s footsteps, made his debut in 1952 and carved his own niche in the cricketing world. The Gaikwad family, hailing from the Royal Family of Baroda, has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket.
The BCCI expresses its profound grief at the passing away of Dattajirao Gaekwad, former India captain and India’s oldest Test cricketer. He played in 11 Tests and led the team during India’s Tour of England in 1959. Under his captaincy, Baroda also won the Ranji Trophy in the… pic.twitter.com/HSUArGrjDF
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 13, 2024
End of an innings: Reflecting on Dattajirao’s cricketing journey
Dattajirao Gaikwad’s international cricket journey was marked by 350 runs in 11 test matches, with a highest score of 52. His captaincy during the 1959 England tour remains etched in cricketing history. In contrast, his first-class career showcased a prolific batsman, accumulating 5788 runs in 110 matches, including 17 centuries and 23 half-centuries. His unbeaten 249-run innings stands as a testament to his batting prowess, and his bowling prowess saw him claim 25 wickets.
The legacy continues: Anshuman Gaikwad’s stint in international cricket
While Dattajirao’s international career might not have been extensive, his son, Anshuman Gaikwad, carried the family’s cricketing legacy forward. Anshuman played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India, amassing 1985 runs in Tests, including 2 centuries and 10 half-centuries. His highest test score of 201 runs and valuable contributions in ODIs solidified his place in Indian cricket. Anshuman Gaikwad’s first-class cricket career boasts an impressive 12,136 runs from 206 matches.
