Indian cricket legend questions late tribute during England test match

Sunil Gavaskar expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Indian cricket team’s delayed tribute to Dattajirao Gaekwad. The team wore black armbands on the third day of the Test match against England in Rajkot. This gesture aimed to honour Gaekwad, the former Indian captain who passed away on February 13 at 95, in Baroda. Gaekwad was the oldest living Indian Test cricketer since Deepak Shodhan’s death in 2016.

The Test started on February 15, two days after Gaekwad’s demise. However, Indian players did not sport the black armbands on the initial two days. It was only on February 17 that the BCCI announced the team’s decision to wear the armbands.

Gavaskar, on commentary, pointed out the oversight. He remarked, “Better late than never… they should’ve done it on Day 1 but better late than never.” He reminisced about Gaekwad’s contributions, noting his captaincy in a five-match series against England in 1959.

The BCCI had previously acknowledged Gaekwad’s passing in a condolence message, highlighting his 11 Test appearances and leadership during the 1959 England tour. Under his captaincy, Baroda clinched the Ranji Trophy in the 1957-58 season.

Gaekwad’s cricketing legacy includes his remarkable batting against Bombay teams in the 1950s and his Ranji Trophy performances for Baroda, where he scored 3139 runs, including 14 centuries. His highest score was an unbeaten 249 against Maharashtra.

His son, Anshuman Gaekwad, continued the cricketing legacy into the 70s and 80s, achieving success with a more defensive technique.

The tribute to Gaekwad underscores the cricketing community’s respect for its past heroes. Gavaskar’s critique highlights the importance of timely acknowledgements, ensuring legends are honoured appropriately.