Garry Sobers Expresses Shock Over Ajit Wadekar's Demise

The Windies cricketing great, Garry Sobers expressed his shock over the death of former Indian skipper, Ajit Wadekar. After a prolonged illness, veteran cricketer passed away on August 15 at the age of 77. Wadekar breathed his at Jaslok Hospital, Peddar Road in Mumbai. Nitish, the nephew of Wadekar, confirmed this sad news.

“He was a lovely man, and I knew his family well. When I came to India a couple of years ago, I met him. He was not only a good player but a good human being as well,” Sobers told mid-day over the phone.

Garry Sobers recalled an incident when he spent his wee hours of birthday with the Indian team. He said that he cut the birthday cake for Wadekar before a Test match at Barbados.

Wadekar was the skipper who led Indian team on the tour of Windies in April 1971. It was the opening day of the fourth Test match of the series between the Caribbeans and India.

“Yes, I do remember. It happened the long time ago. He was a very good man. I am really sorry to hear about his death. Kindly convey my deepest condolences to his family,” Sobers added.

India achieved Test series wins in both Windies and England under the leadership of Ajit Wadekar. He won the series against the English team led by Ray Illingworth.

Later in 1972-73 India got another Test series win over England. However, Tony Lewis was the English captain this time against whom India squared off a hat-trick of wins.

In conclusion, Wadekar has given back a lot to the Indian cricket by serving it on its own.