Ajit Wadekar, former India cricket captain, passes away at the age of 77

Former Indian cricket captain Ajit Wadekar passed away at the age of 77 on Wednesday. Wadekar passed away in Mumbai after suffering from prolonged illness.

An aggressive left-hand batsman, Ajit Wadekar's name will forever be linked with 1971 when he led the Indian team to historic triumphs in the West Indies and England. 

Wadekar made his first-class debut in 1958-59 but had to wait eight years before playing for India in 1966-67.

He made his Test debut for India in 1966 against West Indies at his homeground in Mumbai. He played 37 Test matches for India scoring 2113 runs. 

He also represented India in its first ever One Day International (ODI) game in 1974. He played two ODIs for the country.

Wadekar also served as the manager of the Indian cricket team in the 1990s, alongside captain Mohammad Azharuddin. He was one of the few Indians to represent the country as Test player, captain, coach/manager and the chairman of selectors

The Government of India honoured him with the Arjuna Award (1967) and Padmashri (1972), India's fourth highest civilian honour. He was also awarded the CK Nayudu Lifetime achievement award for his contribution to Indian cricket. 

He established himself in the Indian team and was a tower of strength to the Indian batting for seven years. Regarded as one of the best No. 3 batsmen in the history of Indian cricket, Wadekar was also a very sharp slip fielder.