Dattajirao Gaekwad, who passed away on February 13 at the age of 95, played 11 Tests for India between 1951 and 1962.He was India’s oldest living Test cricketer and captained the team during the 1959 tour of England.
Gaekwad, the father of former India batter and coach Anshuman Gaekwad, was remembered by the Indian players with black armbands as a mark of respect.
However, Gavaskar expressed his dissatisfaction with the timing of the tribute, suggesting that it should have been done on the first day of the match.
“Better late than never… they should’ve done it on Day 1 but better late than never,” remarked Gavaskar during the commentary. He highlighted Gaekwad’s significant contributions to Indian cricket, emphasizing the missed opportunity to honor him earlier.
Dattajirao Gaekwad, known for his elegant batting style and astute leadership, should have played more than 11 Tests according to Gavaskar, considering his exceptional talent. Gaekwad’s passing marked the end of an era, leaving a void in the cricketing community.
Gaekwad’s legacy extended beyond his playing days, as he continued to mentor young cricketers in Baroda, including future stars like Nayan Mongia. His contribution to the development of cricket in Baroda was widely recognized, with tributes pouring in from former players and cricketing authorities.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had also expressed its condolences, acknowledging Gaekwad’s significant role in Indian cricket. The heartfelt message from the BCCI underscored Gaekwad’s leadership during India’s tour of England and his contribution to Baroda’s Ranji Trophy victory in 1957-58.