Anshuman Gaekwad, born on September 23, 1952, was a right-hand batsman and a right-arm off break, Indian cricketer. He has played for India, in 40 Test matches and 15 One-Day Internationals.
December 1974 would always be cherished by this ex-Indian cricketer. Anshuman made his debut against the formidable West Indies at the phenomenal Eden Gardens Stadium in Calcutta, (presently Kolkata).
Gaekwad Anshuman shot to fame and glamour, by virtue of his dauntless strikes against dangerous pace bowling. He was thus the need of the hour, when the fierce West Indies pace bowling had subdued the world cricket with fear and anxiety.
Gaekwad also had the rare assets of perseverance and a focused bent of mind. This is evident from the statistics itself. He had the tenacity to bat 671 minutes for a profound 201 against Pakistan at Jalandhar in 1982-83. This was his acme of perfection in Test- cricket . This was also the most patiently reached double-century in first-class cricket.
Even the frightening bouncers of Michael Holding, could not suppress the indomitable Anshuman Gaekwad. In the challenging, Bodyline series, of 1975-76, Gaekwad dared to fight like a valiant warrior. He held high a brilliant 81, against the aggressive bowling of Michael holding, without the shield of helmets and prohibitions on bouncers, non-existent in those times. The scathed but unyielding Gaekwad had to go for an operation , being hurt on the eardrum by a Holding bouncer .
In his last first class match , he accomplished a hundred. This was indeed, a glorious welfare to the game, he adores so much. Post his retirement from international cricket, Gaekwad was appointed as a national selector .
Later, he was conferred upon the venerated position of the coach to the Indian team. He remained in the office of the coach , from November 1997 to November 2000.
At present, he is placed at the elevated status of the executive director of ProCricket in United States.
Gaekwad , thus has observed his responsibilities towards his profession with hard-work and commitment.
