Former Maharashtra captain Bhalekar no more

Rajendra — alias Raju — Bhalekar, the former Maharashtra cricket captain, died following a brief illness in Pune. He was 66.

Bhalekar is understood to have undergone a second bypass surgery at a hospital in Pune, but post-surgery complications resulted in multiple-organ failure.

A stylish middle-order batsman who made his debut in 1972-73, Bhalekar featured in 74 First Class games, tallying 3,877 runs. Besides leading Maharashtra, he also represented West Zone in the Duleep Trophy. After retiring in 1986-87, Bhelakar took to coaching youngsters, besides serving as Maharashtra selector.

He is survived by wife, son and daughter.