Former Indian captain Ajit Wadekar passes away

Leaving an everlasting legacy behind, the immortal leader incidentally took his final breath on the Independence day.

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Ajit Laxman Wadekar
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Ajit Laxman Wadekar plays a shot. (Photo by Getty Images)

Ajit Wadekar often regarded as one of the tallest figures in Indian cricket and also an inspirational leader has passed away succumbing to a long-term ailment. The 77-year-old breathed his last on Wednesday night at the Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai. Often regarded as a revolutionary captain, the side under Wadekar scripted some of the most amazing victories in Indian cricket history.

India’s first ever overseas Test series win came in 1971 under the leadership of Ajit Wadekar, who took over the mantle from the late great Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. One of the first batting legends Mumbai school of cricket has produced, he was often hailed as one of the best number three batsmen in Test cricket.

Representing India from 1966 to 1974, he donned the national jersey for 37 Tests and a couple of ODIs. He also was a brilliant slip-fielder and many big names like Sunil Gavaskar, Mohinder Amarnath made their debut during his tenure as the captain.

1971 – A Year which changed Indian cricket forever

Registering a victory in England was a dream far too fetched for the Indians during those years. Entering the British lands with no great expectations, Wadekar and his troops registered one of the greatest triumphs at Lord’s in 1971. Adding more glory to his tally, the Indian side registered another famous win against the feisty Windies side in the same year.

By winning the five-match Test series 2-1 in 1972/73 against the English, Wadekar earned a rare distinction of winning three consecutive overseas series triumphs, a feat achieved by very few leaders in the game. This was the time when ODI cricket was coming to the fray and he was also Indian cricket’s first-ever ODI captain.

After retirement, he also served Indian cricket as a manager and chief selector. He belongs to a rare and elite list of Indian cricketers to have worked as a captain, manager/coach and chief selector alongside Lala Amarnath and Chandu Borde. For his incredible contributions, he was also awarded the Arjuna and the Padmashree award.

Leaving an everlasting legacy behind, the immortal leader incidentally took his final breath on the Independence day. His mortal remains will be taken to his residency soon and his final rites will be conducted on Thursday.

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