Former cricketer Vasoo Paranjape passes away at 82, Indian cricket fraternity pays tribute

Vasudeo (Vasoo) Paranjape, former Mumbai cricketer and a more renowned coach in the Indian cricket fraternity, passed away on Monday. He was aged 82. Paranjape was born on November 21, 1938 in Gujarat and was also the father of former India cricketer Jatin Paranjape.

Vasoo played 29 first-class matches for Mumbai over the course of 13 years from 1957 to 1970 and scored 785 at an average of 23.78. He also scored two centuries and as many fifties in his career. Paranjape rolled his arm over at times as well to account for nine scalps.

More than his cricket career, Vasoo Paranjape was known for being the mentor of the players like Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar among a lot of other players. Interestingly, he was the one who gave the nickname ‘Sunny’ to Gavaskar.

Vasoo Paranjape’s influence on Rohit Sharma

In the book Cricket Drona: For the Love of Vasu Paranjape, Rohit Sharma had recalled how the legendary cricket coach had helped him get into the team after looking at him bat only once. “I remember very clearly when I met Vasoo Sir [Vasudeo Paranjape] for the first time. There was an under-17 camp at Wankhede Stadium, and out of the thirty probables only fifteen were going to make it to the team.

“He watched me during one of my net sessions at Wankhede, and then something happened. He went to the captain and said, ‘We need to get this kid into the team. You figure out your combination and all that. I won’t interfere. But this boy needs to play. Work with me.’

“Prashant Naik, who was the captain, came to me. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I don’t know anything about you and I’ve not heard much about you either, but Vasoo Sir says you have to play. So you’re playing tomorrow.’,” the extract from the book read according to ESPNCricinfo.

The Indian cricket fraternity paid its tribute to Vasoo Paranjape after his demise in Mumbai on Monday.

Here are some of the tweets:

Really saddened at the demise of Vasoo Sir.
One of the best coaches , mentors I have played under.
Condolences to @jats72 and the family. God bless 🙏🏻

— Dhawal Kulkarni (@dhawal_kulkarni) August 30, 2021

Irreparable loss for Mumbai n Indian cricket. Jatin, Gandhali n the kids my heartfelt condolences. Rest in peace Vasu Sir. It’s a sad day. Everyone who came in contact with him has a story to share, such was his charm. Bye Sir 🥲 pic.twitter.com/eT6JYW3p7z

— Amol Muzumdar (@amolmuzumdar11) August 30, 2021

Learnt a lot as a young Mumbai player from Vasu Paranjape sir, and he made learning the game a lot of fun for us . Deepest condolences to the family #RipVasusir 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

— Ajit Agarkar (@imAagarkar) August 30, 2021

A truly exceptional and invaluable member of the cricket community passes away. RIP Vasu Sir! #VasuParanjape

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) August 30, 2021

Really saddened at the demise of Vasoo Paranjape. He was an institution in the game with a real positive vibe in whatever he did. Condolences to @jats72 and the family. God bless his soul 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/LlIkaB242Q

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) August 30, 2021

Saddened to hear the passing of Vasu Paranjape. Two years of my formative years at the National camp was a great learning under his tutelage. He will be missed. My condolences to @jats72 and family. 🙏🏽

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 30, 2021

Really sad to hear about Vasoo Paranjape ji. My deepest condolences and may his soul rest in peace. 🙏

— Vinod Kambli (@vinodkambli349) August 30, 2021