WEB DESK
LEGENDARY cricketer and former India captain Ajit Wadekar passed away Wednesday after battling a prolonged illness at Mumbai’s Jaslok Hospital. He was 77
Wadekar who made his debut in 1966 against West Indies, played 37 Tests and scored 2,113 runs in his career at an average of 31.07.
Other than this, he appeared in two ODIs too. His biggest achievement was when he took India to a series win against the formidable West Indies in 1971. Wadekar also served as the manager of the Indian team in the late 1990’s.
The legendary cricketer made his Test debut for India in 1966 against West Indies in Mumbai. He played 37 Test matches for India scoring 2113 runs. He also represented India in its first-ever One Day International (ODI) game in 1974. Tributes poured in for the former India skipper on Twitter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a message on Twitter for the former cricketer hailing him for his contribution to Indian cricket.
Wadekar also served as India’s manager in the 1990s during Mohammed Azharuddin’s tenure as captain. He later went on to become the chairman of selectors as well.
“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”, he wrote.
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, the man who led India to their first series triumphs in England and the West Indies, has died at the age of 77 pic.twitter.com/VzM0Sl3Qb3
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) 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