Had a Few Things To Talk

The Indian cricket industry is currently in a state of grief following the death of former cricketer and head coach Anshuman Gaekwad on Wednesday night, and captain Rohit Sharma has paid his tribute to him, as he added that he was lucky enough to have a few conversations with him. Gaekwad played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India from 1975 to 1987, and after his playing career he went on to take the role of head coach for the Men In Blue from October 1997 to September 1999. On BCCI’s request, he then returned as the coach for India in the 2000 Champions Trophy, where they lost to New Zealand in the final.

“I was absolutely devastated to hear that news. I was lucky to have a few conversations with him during the BCCI awards, and on a personal note as well. When I was playing Ranji Trophy, he was there and I had a chance to speak to him when he had a few things to talk about my game as well, which was overwhelming for me because he was such a great cricketer for us.”

“Condolences to his family, it’s not a good time when you lose your loved ones, it’s always tough. I was lucky that I had a few chances to meet him and talk to him on a personal level,” Rohit said.