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India mourns cricket ‘renaissance man’ Wadekar Sir
MUMBAI, Aug 16, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Indian cricket heroes on Thursday paid
tribute to Ajit Wadekar, who led the country to their first series triumphs
in England and the West Indies, following his death at the age of 77.
“He will always be remembered as the ‘renaissance man’ of Indian cricket,”
said Board of Control for Cricket in India chief executive Rahul Johri, after
it was announced that Wadekar had died in hospital in Mumbai following a long
illness.
“The West Indies and England were two extremely strong teams and beating
them in their backyard was almost impossible.”
The batsman led India to their famous victories in 1971 and overall scored
2,113 runs in just 37 Test matches, including one century.
Wadekar was the first captain of India’s one-day team and he went on to
become a powerbroker as coach, manager and chairman of the Indian selectors
and mentor to future stars.
Indian legends from Sachin Tendulkar to Mohammed Azharuddin and Anil Kumble
all paid tribute to Wadekar’s influence in India’s rise to become a cricket
superpower.
“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,” said
Tendulkar.
“Wadekar Sir,” as he was known, was manager of the Indian side in which
Tendulkar flourished as an opener. Azharuddin also thrived as India’s captain
from 1993 to 1996 under Wadekar’s guidance.
Azharuddin said that Wadekar had been “iconic” and a “father figure for me
.. May his soul rest in peace.”
Kumble, who made his comeback to the Indian team in a 1992-93 tour of South
Africa, said that Wadekar “was more than a coach to the entire team — a
father figure and a shrewd tactician.”
“Thank you Sir for the confidence shown in my ability!” Kumble added.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Wadekar’s efforts for leading
Indian “to some of the most memorable victories in our cricketing history.”
India coach Ravi Shastri paid tribute with a Twitter photo of Wadekar
during his heyday as a cricketer.
“Sad moment for Indian cricket to lose one of its most successful captains.
Shrewd to the core. Condolences to the entire family #TeamIndia
#RIPAjitWadekar,” Shastri tweeted.
Bishan Bedi, the spin bowler and contemporary of Wadekar, admitted that he
had “differences of opinion” with the great batsman but hailed Wadekar as a
“fine batsman” who served Indian cricket with “aplomb.”
Wadekar’s funeral is to be held in Mumbai on Friday.
BSS/AFP/RY/1601 hrs