Former Indian cricketer Aunshuman Gaekwad has passed away at the age of 71 after losing a long battle with cancer
Gaekwad played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for India between 1975 and 1987, scoring 1985 runs in Tests and 269 runs in ODIs with a high score of 201*
Gaekwad later took over as Indian coach, with memorable wins coming over Pakistan in Sharjah in 1998 and Delhi in 1999. He would briefly return to the role again
His 1985 Test runs from 40 matches may not fully reveal the quality he possessed but there was no limit to his stone-walling technique
Having played for India for more than a decade, Gaekwad continued as a first-class cricketer till the 1991-92 season before seamlessly moving into coaching, selection and administration.
Soft-spoken and with an easy smile, he was always accessible to the media while his close pals called him Anshu and relished their evenings of nostalgia and banter with him.
As a coach, the former India opener was all grace, empathy and laughter