Dattajirao Gaekwad, India’s oldest and longest-living test cricketer, passed away in Gujarat’s Vadodara today. He was 95 years old and is reported to have passed away due to age-related illness. He was hospitalised and had spent 12 days in the intensive care unit of a Baroda hospital. Dattajirao Gaekwad played for the Indian cricket team in the 50s and was even the captain on several tours.
Dattajirao Gaekwad Caught Out At 95; Was India’s Oldest Test Cricketer
India’s oldest Test cricketer and former captain Dattajirao Gaekwad left behind his legacy on Tuesday as he passed away due to age-related ailments. He played in 11 Test matches for India and was part of the squad that toured England in 1952 and 1959 and West Indies in 1952-53. He was the captain of the team in the 1959 England tour. Dattajirao was a right-handed batsman and played his last international match in 1961.
Dattajirao Gaekwad was known for his defence stance and crisp shots that have left cricket fans delighted even when the sport wasn’t that big in India. He was India’s oldest living Test cricketer since 2016. His son, Aunshuman Gaekwad was also a cricketer and was a former India opener and national coach.
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BCCI & Former Cricketers Share Heartfelt Tributes To The Legend
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
The Board of Control for Cricket in India shared a heartfelt tribute for the former cricketer after the news of his demise broke out. They shared snippets of Dattajirao Gaekwad’s career and expressed their grief in the post shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Under the shade of the banyan tree at the Motibag cricket ground, from his blue Maruti car, Indian captain D.K. Gaekwad sir tirelessly scouted young talent for Baroda cricket, shaping the future of our team. His absence will be deeply felt. A great loss for cricketing community.… pic.twitter.com/OYyE2ppk88
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 13, 2024
Irfan Pathan, who also hails from Vadodara, expressed his grief and expressed how his demise is a ‘great loss for cricketing community,’ in a post on X.
Rest in peace, legend! We extend our condolences to the Gaekwad family.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/@mpparimal
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First Published: February 13, 2024 2:33 PM