Indian head coach Ravi Shastri led the tributes for former India captain Ajit Wadekar, who passed away late on Wednesday night after prolonged illness. He was 77.
Wadekar led India to their first overseas wins in England and West Indies. He breathed his last at the Jaslok Hospital in South Mumbai.
Wadekar, a left-handed aggressive batsman, was a trailblazer in Indian cricket despite a mere 37 Test appearances, etching his name to the cricket folklore by leading the country to triumphs in England and the West Indies in 1971.
Wadekar scored 2,113 runs in his Test career, including one hundred. He was also India’s first ODI captain, although he appeared in just two matches.
Wadekar also served as India’s manager in the ‘90s during Mohammed Azharuddin’s tenure as captain. He later went on to become the chairman of selectors as well.
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With a heavy heart we bid adieu to Ajit Wadekar. The former India captain is no more. Cricketer, Coach, Manager and Chairman of Selectors - Mr Wadekar served Indian cricket in many different ways. pic.twitter.com/6zdFtleXB9
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 15, 2018
Very very sad news: the iconic former Indian cricket captain Ajit Wadekar is no more. Sir, will miss you ! RIP
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) August 15, 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
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 passes away. Fine left-hander& Indian cricket's renaissance man with overseas wins over West Indies & Eng 1971 as captain. RIP
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 15, 2018
RIP Ajit Wadekar. One of our finest and the architect of two historic series wins in 1971.
— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) August 15, 2018
Sad news about Ajit Wadekar. Towering batsman for Bombay. Outstanding slip fielder. Legendary India captain. Manager in the early '90s. Chairman of selectors. And (something very close to his heart) founderof the All India Cricket Association for the Physically Challenged. RIP
— Sidvee (@sidvee) August 15, 2018
The man who led the original Indian cricket Revolution in 1971 in West Indies and England is no more. Ajit Wadekar RIP.
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) August 15, 2018
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
One long-ago afternoon, I walked from Babulnath to a Marine Drive Gymkhana to watch Ajit Wadekar bat in some minor league match. He was all elegance, then he actually walked past and shook my hand. Made this kid's month, even my year. Go well, sir. You gave Indian cricket belief.
— Dilip D'Souza (@DeathEndsFun) August 15, 2018
Deeply saddened by the passing away of
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) August 15, 2018
Ajit Wadekar; a successful captain who led India to its 1st-ever series win. His style of batting influenced many and I join cricket fans across India in grief.
RIP 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/alpI5cfMX7
This is sad news.
— Boman Irani (@bomanirani) August 15, 2018
The great Ajit Wadekar is no more.
1971 was no less than a World Cup victory. Maybe more....
You will be missed dear captain.#AjitWadekar
With PTI inputs
