Ajit Wadekar passes away at 77
Former Indian skipper Ajit Wadekar, who led India in the famous series wins against England and West Indies in the 1970s, has breathed his last at the age of 77 at Mumbai’s Jaslok Hospital on Wednesday. Wadekar was suffering from prolonged illness and was admitted in the hospital for quite sometime.
"Mr. Ajit Wadekar was declared dead on arrival at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre. He had been critically unwell for sometime and was seeking treatment for the same,” the official statement of the hospital said.
One of the finest captains of India, Wadekar made his Test debut against West Indies in December 1966 at his home ground Brabourne stadium in Mumbai. In his eight-year-long career, the aggressive left-hander represented India in 37 Tests and two ODIs. He amassed 2,113 runs at an average of 31.07 in the longest format of the game which includes 14 fifties and his only Test hundred came against the Kiwis in Wellington in 1968.
Wadekar, who represented Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy, also became India’s first ODI captain when he led the limited-overs side against England in July 1974. After his playing days, he was appointed as the head coach of the Mohammad Azharuddin-led Indian team in the 90s and was also the chairman of the selectors as well.
Wadekar had a fantastic first-class career with 15,380 runs from 237 matches at an average of 47.03 and was a regular in the Bombay (Mumbai) team after making his Ranji debut against Madras in 1958-59 season.
Many former cricketers and notable personalities including President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their condolences after the sad demise of the iconic cricketer.
Sad at the passing of Ajit Wadekar, one of Indian cricket’s finest left-handed batsman and captain during the iconic overseas test victories in 1971 in the Caribbean and England. Condolences to his family and to the cricket fraternity #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 15, 2018
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
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
Ajit Wadekar’s impact on Indian cricket is immense. His contemporaries worshipped him, such was his aura. Found him to be a tough character as coach. Exceptional Indian cricketer... RIP Sir.🙏
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) August 15, 2018
Recorded this on my iPhone last Dec from Point in a friendly fixture. So glad I did. pic.twitter.com/XbdFGn4Izp
A rare Cricketer, Captain, Coach, Manager and Chairman of Selectors - a truly great servant of Indian Cricket. Heartfelt condolences to family and loved ones. Om Shanti Ajit Wadekar Sir 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/67UVcvJUK9
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 16, 2018
Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Ajit Wadekar Sir. He was someone who was instrumental in bringing out the best in us during the 90s. We’ll always be grateful for his advice and guidance. Praying for strength for his family during this difficult time. 🙏 RIP pic.twitter.com/coSyac73ot
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 16, 2018
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
#AjitWadekar sir .. such an iconic person..deeply saddened by his demise!! Sir was a father figure for me.. May his soul rest in peace! My Heartfelt Condolences to the family..@BCCI pic.twitter.com/xLMb2i82B2
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) 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
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
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