Former Indian Test Captain Ajit Wadekar Passes Away, India Mourns
Wadekar appeared in a total of 37 Tests and amassed 2,113 runs at an average of 31.07.
Former Indian captain Ajit Wadekar passed away on Wednesday, 15 August, in Mumbai’s Jaslok Hospital, reportedly due to cancer. He was 77 years old.
Wadekar is survived by his wife Rekha, two sons and a daughter.
"Mr Ajit Wadekar was declared dead on arrival at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre. He had been critically unwell for sometime and was seeking treatment for the same,” the official statement from the Hospital, read.
Credited with helming India's first test win at a foreign location, Ajit Wadekar led the team to series wins in 1971 against England and West Indies.
Born in Mumbai, Wadekar made his international debut in 1966 against West Indies. Considered one of the finest slip fielders, Ajit Wadekar was the captain of the Indian side that won the series in England and West IndiesWadekar was India's first ODI captain, although he appeared in just two matches, PTI reports.
Wadekar also served as India's manager in the '90s during Mohammed Azharuddin's tenure as captain. He later went on to become the chairman of selectors as well.
Considered to be one of India's finest slip fielders and an aggressive left-hander, Wadekar appeared in a total of 37 Tests and amassed 2,113 runs at an average of 31.07, ANI reports.
He scored his sole century against New Zealand in 1968.
In 1967, the Government of India bestowed Wadekar with the Arjuna Award. He also received the Padma Shri Award, the country's fourth highest civilian honour, in 1972, ANI reports.
Wadekar’s Landmark Victories
Under Wadekar’s captaincy, India played three Test matches against England in 1971, and surprisingly won the series against England 1–0 with two Tests drawn.
This was India's first ever series win in England. India pulled off a historic win in the Third Test at The Oval by 4 wickets after being 71 behind on first innings. The team also brushed England out for only 101 in the second innings with Bhagwat Chandrasekhar claiming 6–38.
Besides Wadekar and Chandrasekhar, the team included other notable players in Dilip Sardesai, Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan, Gundappa Viswanath, Bishan Singh Bedi and the still newly recruited Sunil Gavaskar.
The Indian team, starring Wadekar, Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Sardesai and Salim Durani, also carried out a smashing victory in the four test matches against West Indies back in 1971. This was incidentally, Gavaskar’s debut into Test matches.
They played five Test matches against West Indies, with India winning the series 1–0.
Cricketers Mourn Wadekar’s Demise
Wadekar’s demise was mourned by former cricketers, commentators, politicians, and journalists who all remembered him as an iconic test cricket captain.
Cricketers- both current and past- have taken to Twitter to express their condolences at “Wadekar Sir’s” passing.
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
#AjitWadekar sir .. such an iconic person..deeply saddened by his demise!! Sir was a father figure for me.. May his soul rest in peace! My Heartfelt Condolences to the family..â¦â¦@BCCIâ© pic.twitter.com/xLMb2i82B2
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) August 15, 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 ðð¼ pic.twitter.com/67UVcvJUK9
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) 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
Saddened to hear about the passing away of Ajit Wadekar Sir. He was a great captain who led India to series wins in England and West Indies in 1971. May his soul rest in peace. #RIPAjitWadekar pic.twitter.com/O2NTykieqb
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) August 15, 2018
Terribly saddened to hear of the passing of one of the finest gentlemen who ever played the game, Mr Ajit Wadekar, former Captain of India, who always had a kind word to say. I first met him as a schoolboy in 1971. RIP Ajit Wadekar, Sir. #AjitWadekar
— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) August 15, 2018
From the BCCI to Rajdeep Sardesai- those who had interacted with the former coach, spoke about their best memories of him.
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
Very very sad news: the iconic former Indian cricket captain Ajit Wadekar is no more. Sir, will miss you ! RIP
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) August 15, 2018
The man who led the original Indian cricket Revolution in 1971 in West Indies and England is no more. Ajit Wadekar RIP.
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) August 15, 2018
"Ajit Wadekar" never ever got his due as a cricketer and Captain .But people who knew him closely realized how astute he was .Ajitbhai you re a national hero and it is only befitting that fate took you away on d 15th of August
— Gautam Bhattacharya (@gbsaltlake) 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
RIP Ajit Wadekar. One of our finest and the architect of two historic series wins in 1971.
— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) August 15, 2018
Ajit Wadekar was the first captain to enable Indian Cricket fans to dream, to believe that we could beat the best teams in their own backyard. RIP Sir. #AjitWadekar
— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) August 15, 2018
Extremely sad to hear the passing of Ajit Wadekar ji. Thoughts and prayers with his family. His legacy will go on for ever.
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) August 15, 2018
Ajitbhai, or Ajit Wadekar, no more... He's one history-making India captain who was quickly forgotten... Deeply saddened
— Lokendra Pratap Sahi (@lpsahi) August 15, 2018
Politicians Thank Wadekar for His Contribution to Cricket
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Wadekar would always be remembered for his “rich contribution to Indian cricket”.
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
My heartfelt condolences to Former cricketer Ajit Wadekar.may his soul rest in peace.
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) August 15, 2018
Deeply saddened by the passing away of the Former Indian cricket team captain Ajit Wadekar ji. The legendary cricketer will always be remembered in the history of Indian cricket. May his soul rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers with his family and fans.#AjitWadekar pic.twitter.com/t8FiXmYjDk
— Praful Patel (@praful_patel) August 15, 2018
Sad to learn of Ajit Wadekar's passing. I was at the Brabourne Stadium for his debut Test in 1966 against the West Indies (he failed, alas) & again to watch his coruscating 323 against Mysore in the Ranji Trophy. The original elegant Indian left-hander.
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 15, 2018
Ajit Wadekar ji was a captain par excellence & contributed immensely to Indian cricket,even as a manager and a chief selector.
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) August 15, 2018
An aggressive left-hand batsman, a brilliant catcher in the slips, he led India to many famous victories.
My deepest condolences on his passing away. pic.twitter.com/Ju8CHt0a0p