Anshuman Gaekwad: India's Courageous Opening Batter of the 1970s

Anshuman Gaekwad was an Indian opening batter who represented India in 40 Tests and 15 ODIs between 1975 and 1985. Born in Baroda (now Vadodara) in 1952 into a cricketing family — his father Datta Gaekwad also played Test cricket for India — Anshuman became one of India's most courageous opening batters. He was a careful, defensive opener who absorbed pressure patiently, allowing more aggressive batters lower in the order to capitalise on his work. His Test batting average of 30.07 across 40 matches reflected a solid career in a team that often faced the world's most formidable fast-bowling attacks.

Courage Against the West Indies

Gaekwad's most celebrated innings came against the fearsome West Indies fast-bowling attack of the 1970s. In Kingston, Jamaica in 1976, facing Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Wayne Daniel and Vanburn Holder on a difficult pitch, Gaekwad batted for over nine hours to score 81 runs in the second innings, helping India avoid a innings defeat. He was struck multiple times by short-pitched deliveries but refused to retire hurt. The West Indies attack of that era was among the most intimidating in cricket history, and Gaekwad's ability to stand firm against them earned widespread respect.

Coaching Career

After his playing career, Gaekwad went on to coach India's national team, serving as head coach from 1997 to 1999. During his tenure India showed improvement in Test cricket, though the team also faced challenges with squad management and selection debates. He later served as a national selector, contributing to Indian cricket administration throughout the 1990s and 2000s.