Cricket
Ajit Wadekar passed away on Wednesday at the age of 77.
Updated : Aug 16, 2018, 12:33 AM IST
Ajit Wadekar- one of the stalwarts of Indian cricket- passed away on Wednesday at the age of 77.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind led the nation in paying tribute to the former India captain.
Wadekar will be remembered as the man who led India to their first overseas wins in England and West Indies in 1971. He was 77 and is survived by his wife Rekha, two sons and a daughter. He breathed his last at the Jaslok Hospital in South Mumbai.
Despite a mere 37 Test appearances, Ajit Wadekar was one of the biggest names in Indian cricket. He was also India’s first ODI captain, although he appeared in just two matches.
PM Modi wrote, "Ajit Wadekar will be remembered for his rich contribution to Indian cricket. A great batsman & wonderful captain, he led our team to some of the most memorable victories in our cricketing history. He was also respected as an effective cricket administrator. Pained by his demise."
Ajit Wadekar will be remembered for his rich contribution to Indian cricket. A great batsman & wonderful captain, he led our team to some of the most memorable victories in our cricketing history. He was also respected as an effective cricket administrator. Pained by his demise.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2018
President Kovind tweeted, "Sad at the passing of Ajit Wadekar, one of Indian cricket’s finest left-handed batsman and captain during the iconic overseas test victories in 1971 in the Caribbean and England. Condolences to his family and to the cricket fraternity #PresidentKovind"
Sad at the passing of Ajit Wadekar, one of Indian cricket’s finest left-handed batsman and captain during the iconic overseas test victories in 1971 in the Caribbean and England. Condolences to his family and to the cricket fraternity #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 15, 2018
V sad news-Ajit Wadekar passing away-only Indn Capt to win 3 series in a row-2 away 1 at home-ALW was good contemporary-we had differences o opinion but always respected glory o Crkt-fine batsman & great close in catch-served Indn Crkt w/aplomb as player/Selectr/Coach-RIP Jeetu!
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) August 15, 2018
Ajit Wadekar passes away. Fine left-hander& Indian cricket's renaissance man with overseas wins over West Indies & Eng 1971 as captain. RIP
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 15, 2018
So many memories of Ajit Wadekar. None more powerful than leading India to series wins in 1971 in England and the West Indies. Much admired, much loved. Page in Indian cricket and in our memories.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 15, 2018
Ajit Wadekar ji my captain a true inspiration for all of us, my heart felt condolences to his family. RIP Ajit bhai.
— Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) August 15, 2018
Shocked to hear about the demise of Former Captain of the Indian Cricket Team Shri Ajit Wadekar!
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 15, 2018
We lost a great cricket player, first Indian captain to achieve overseas wins, aggressive batsman and an all rounder.
My deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans! pic.twitter.com/IENDsoEmfe
This is sad news.
— Boman Irani (@bomanirani) August 15, 2018
The great Ajit Wadekar is no more.
1971 was no less than a World Cup victory. Maybe more....
You will be missed dear captain.#AjitWadekar
Extremely saddened by the news that former Indian cricket captain #AjitWadekar is no more. He led India to many historic victories! My condolences to the friends & family! RIP Sir, you will always be missed!
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) August 15, 2018