One of India’s most successful cricket captains, Ajit Wadekar passed away in Mumbai after a prolonged illness on late August 15. He was 77.
Wadekar, who played 37 Tests, led India to historic triumphs in the West Indies and England matches in the 1970s.
Under him, India won five matches in the West Indies in the early 1970s before beating England in a three-match series.
Wadekar, who scored 2,113 Test runs with 14 half-centuries and a century, led India to a third successive series victory, beating England once again in 1972-73.
He also appeared in two One-day Internationals.
Following his demise, many cricketers including Sachin Tendulkar, Ravi Shastri, Virender Sehwag and Sanjay Manjrekar among others took to Twitter to pay their condolences to the former Indian captain. Here are some of the messages:
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
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._
Recorded this on my iPhone last Dec from Point in a friendly fixture. So glad I did. pic.twitter.com/XbdFGn4Izp— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) 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
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
Great lose to the Cricket fraternity.. my condolences to his whole family RIP Ajit Wadekar sir
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 16, 2018
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
Deeply saddened by the passing away of
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— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) August 15, 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
An aggressive left-handed batsman, Wadekar made his first-class debut in 1958-59 before making his India debut in 1966-67.
After his retirement, he also served as the manager of the national team led by Mohammed Azharuddin in the 1990s.
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