Ajit Wadekar, the first ever Indian captain to win away series against England and the West Indies and one of Indian and Mumbai cricket’s stalwarts took his last breath on August 15, 2018.
Wadekar, who was 77, is widely regarded as one of the best left-handed batsmen to be produced by India. He could be both defensive and aggressive with the bat with ease. However, there was more of an aggressive streak in him and he loved to take on the bowlers.
Wadekar made his FC debut in 1958 and his Test debut for India in 1966 against the West Indies at the Brabourne Stadium in Bombay. A number three batsman, Wadekar quickly rose through the ranks and was appointed Indian captain in 1971 and became the first Indian captain to achieve overseas wins while touring the West Indies and England in 1971.
Wadekar scored the first fifty (67) by an Indian batsman in ODIs, in the very first ODI game that India played in 1974. He retired from international cricket in the same year with 2113 runs in Tests with the best of 143 against New Zealand. He is also considered one of the safest slip fielders, and that too against the famed spin quartet of India.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India paid rich tribute to the former Indian captain and tweeted that, “With a heavy heart we bid adieu to Ajit Wadekar. The former India captain is no more. Cricketer, Coach, Manager and Chairman of Selectors - Mr Wadekar served Indian cricket in many different ways.”
With a heavy heart we bid adieu to Ajit Wadekar. The former India captain is no more. Cricketer, Coach, Manager and Chairman of Selectors - Mr Wadekar served Indian cricket in many different ways. pic.twitter.com/6zdFtleXB9
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 15, 2018
Other cricketers, both former and present took to Twitter to send across their tribute to one of the finest Indian captains of all-time.
Here are some of the tributes:
Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Ajit Wadekar Sir. He was someone who was instrumental in bringing out the best in us during the 90s. We’ll always be grateful for his advice and guidance. Praying for strength for his family during this difficult time. ???? RIP pic.twitter.com/coSyac73ot
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 16, 2018
Ajit Wadekar Sir always had interesting insights to offer me when I met him. One such instance was when he said, "Play the way you are playing and play Khadoos" ????
— ajinkyarahane88 (@ajinkyarahane88) August 16, 2018
Will miss you Sir... ???? pic.twitter.com/InmyJZvK2H
Sad moment for Indian cricket to lose one of its most successful captains. Shrewd to the core. Condolences to the entire family #TeamIndia #RIPAjitWadekar pic.twitter.com/0xC0fv3Ark
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) August 15, 2018
Extremely sad to hear about the demise of Ajit Wadekar sir. May his soul rest in peace ????????
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 16, 2018
Extremely sad to hear the demise of Ajit Wadekar Sir. Indian cricket team achieved so many great victories under his captaincy. Condolences to the family. RIP sir
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) August 16, 2018
Great lose to the Cricket fraternity.. my condolences to his whole family RIP Ajit Wadekar sir
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 16, 2018
A rare Cricketer, Captain, Coach, Manager and Chairman of Selectors - a truly great servant of Indian Cricket. Heartfelt condolences to family and loved ones. Om Shanti Ajit Wadekar Sir ???????? pic.twitter.com/67UVcvJUK9
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 16, 2018
Deeply saddened by the passing away of #AjitWadekar He was more than a coach to the entire team - a father figure and a shrewd tactician. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. He will be missed. Thank you Sir for the confidence shown in my ability! ????
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 16, 2018
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
Really sad to hear about the demise of such a legendary player. Always so inspiring to so many budding cricketers. Rest in peace #AjitWadekar Sir. My condolences to his family.
— cheteshwar pujara (@cheteshwar1) August 16, 2018
Saddened to hear the passing away of Sir Ajit Wadekar. One of the finest Indian Captain & Cricketer of all time. Deepest condolences to his family. May his soul Rest In Peace ???? #RIPAjitWadekar
— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) August 16, 2018
RIP Ajit Wadekar sir #RIPAjitWadekar pic.twitter.com/tqU7ACmCMj
— Bhuvneshwar Kumar (@BhuviOfficial) August 16, 2018
