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Coming to terms with the loss of someone so significant in my life is incredibly challenging, especially when it’s unexpected. The impact of Anshuman Gaekwad sir’s guidance and the void left by his absence would naturally take time to process. So, I finally got the strength to pen down some of my thoughts about this great man.
Gaekwad sir, as I would address him by virtue of knowing him over 20 years, had a deep understanding of the game and his ability to predict the outcome of Test matches with such accuracy speaks volumes about his immense knowledge and experience in cricket . His insights were invaluable to me at all times. I always thought that a reliable guide like Gaikwad sir was a blessing from the cricket god. He was incredibly reassuring.
Hence, there was never any hesitation to ask him his views of the game and the players. Any time I called him, he would oblige me without feeling disturbed. Gaekwad sir’s prediction of the 2021 Gabba Test win, especially highlighting Rishabh Pant’s pivotal role, is truly remarkable. His advice to “back your strength and stay positive” encapsulates his profound understanding of cricket and a positive mindset. It’s no wonder his insights left such a lasting impression on me.
Gaekwad sir was also very positive throughout his battle with cancer. The worst part of it was when he stopped taking phone calls from a lot of his friends and I was also one of them who didn’t hear at all from him at all during his last days. If you call him, he would answer back almost immediately. But his phone rang on multiple times but he just simply stopped answering.
My premonition was that something wasn’t right and I was shocked beyond words to find out about his disease. There were days I would invite him on my digital shows and he would readily agree to share his views on the game with utmost precision. There was never a no from him for an answer. He loved the game so much that he could serve Indian cricket in so many capacities. As a coach, selector, manager and administrator, he was the truest all-rounder, who kept his chin up even during adversities.
Very often, Gaekwad sir would fly down to Delhi and also attend book launches and birthday parties of friends and family members. One such occasion was when another legend Bishen Singh Bedi sir was launching his book and was also celebrating his birthday. Former Indian captain Kapil Dev was the host and I almost stole an invitation from his friend Rajesh Puri to witness the celebration.
Kapil sir was so happy seeing me and gave me a champagne glass. Gaikwad sir, who was like a gentle giant with a straight back and amazing sense of humour, cracked some interesting jokes while sharing a few cricketing anecdotes. It was like a dream come true to see so many legends under one roof.
Gaekwad sir was quite excited about his book release. It turned out to be another grand function with the best of the cricket world turning up. One of my fan moments was when Gaikwad sir sent me a friend’s request on Facebook and I was overwhelmed.
But the more overwhelming bit was when the 1983 World Cup winning batch of cricketers decided to collect four to six months of their BCCI pensions and hand it over to him, an ailing Gaekwad sir said no to it. He said he can’t take money from the players. He was a man with plenty of self-esteem.
The Indian cricket board also got its act together to help him with his treatment money. But God had other plans and now that Gaikwad sir is gone, it will be tough to find a mentor like him. I don’t know whom I am going to turn to for a dose of cricket gyaan, but he will surely inspire us from wherever he is right now!
