Ajit Wadekar, the man who led India to their first series triumphs in England and the West Indies, died on Wednesday at the age of 77.
The former batsman, who led India to victories in England and the West Indies in 1971, scored 2,113 runs in just 37 Test matches, including one century.
Tributes poured in on social media for Wadekar, from the Prime Minister, President, to the cricketers he played with and the cricket lovers he enthralled through his career.
Sachin Tendulkar said he was a big influence on him as his career changed once he started opening the batting in ODIs, while Anil Kumble and Mohammed Azharuddin said Wadekar was like a father figure to the team.
It was under Wadekar that Azharuddin, who was till then struggling as captain, having lost Test series in New Zealand, England and Australia, got a second wind from 1993 to 1996. For Kumble, Wadekar was godsend after getting dropped post 1990 tour of England. His comeback coincided with Wadekar’s entry as manager during the 1992-93 tour of South Africa. He was never dropped during the next 16 years till his retirement in 2008.
Sanjay Majrekar had tweeted a video of Wadekar in cricket gears one last time during a charity match at the Shivaji Park Gymkhana in Mumbai.
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
Deeply saddened by the passing away of #AjitWadekar He was more than a coach to the entire team - a father figure and a shrewd tactician. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. He will be missed. Thank you Sir for the confidence shown in my ability! 🙏
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 16, 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
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
Oh, I will dearly miss him 😔
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) August 15, 2018
This pic taken in that same match. I was very fond of him and I guess he didn’t mind me too much either.#RIPWadekar pic.twitter.com/lvFbcA3gx2
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
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
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
. #AjitWadekar
— Chetan Chauhan (@ChetanChauhanCr) August 16, 2018
Ajit Bhai a great Cricketer and former Captain of indian Cricket team He led India to many historic victories
My condolences to the friend and family pic.twitter.com/mzmIq1Oii8
REST IN PEACE #AjitWadekar ji. You will always be remembered as one of the finest captain in the history of Indian cricket. My Heartfelt condolences to family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/QUM9JnwjbG
— Pragyan Prayas Ojha (@pragyanojha) August 16, 2018
Extremely sad to hear about the demise of Ajit Wadekar sir. May his soul rest in peace 🙏🏼
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 16, 2018
Great lose to the Cricket fraternity.. my condolences to his whole family RIP Ajit Wadekar sir
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 16, 2018
Just heard about the passing away of former Indian captain Ajit Wadekar. May his soul rest in peace. #RIP pic.twitter.com/uMODONtIXX
— Yusuf Pathan (@iamyusufpathan) August 15, 2018
Extremely saddened by the news that former Indian cricket captain #AjitWadekar is no more. He led India to many historic victories! My condolences to the friends & family! RIP Sir, you will always be missed!
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) 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
Sad to hear about the passing away of one of the finest Indian cricketers #AjitWadekar. His contribution to the game and his legacy will stay on for generations 🙏 Thoughts with his well wishers and family members.
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) August 15, 2018
Saddened by the passing away of #AjitWadekar Sir. May his soul rest in peace.
— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) August 16, 2018
Deeply saddened by the passing away of our former captain Ajit Wadekar sir who led our team to many memorable victories against England and West Indies. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/w66Xc6uOn1
— R P Singh (@rpsingh) August 15, 2018
Deeply saddened by the news of the demise of #AjitWadekar. One of India’s finest left handers and the captain who led India to victories in England & West Indies in 1971. Sir, your contribution to Indian cricket has been immense. Condolences to your family. RIP. 🙏
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) August 16, 2018
Saddened by the passing away of #AjitWadekar , overseas victories against the mighty WestIndies and England in the 70’s can never be forgotten #RIPAjitWadekar
— subramani badrinath (@s_badrinath) August 16, 2018
With inputs from agencies