Lifetime Achievement Award is a Reminder of My Contribution - Anshuman Gaekwad
Anshuman Gaekwad was one of those batsmen who were never pleasant to the eyes.
However, there was no denying that every team would have loved to have him on its side. A batting style that lacked elegance; scoring range made amends for the courage it possessed against the Pacers. It was an ability that was nothing less than a blessing in the 1980s for Indian cricket.
Gaekwad’s ability to play longs innings also enhanced his reputation. Anshuman Gaekwad batted for 671 minutes for his Test-best 201 against Pakistan in 1982-83. It was the then slowest double-century in first-class cricket. His courageous knock of 81 after being left bruised and battered by Michael Holding’s bodyline tactics in 1975 at Jamaica, still holds a special place in the cricketing folklore.
What made that knock against the formidable West Indies pace attack memorable, was the unavailability of helmets nor restrictions on bouncers? The lanky batsman received blows on his gloves and body before being felled by a bouncer which hit him behind the left ear. He had to be taken to the hospital.
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His finished his career on a high, scoring a hundred in his last first-class match. He is now all set to add another feather to his cap. He is set to receive CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for the year 2017/18.
Delighted with the recognition, Gaekwad said it is closest to his heart after his Test cap in 1974. He said the credit is a “great honour and a sweet reminder” of his contribution to the game.
In a recent interview, he spoke about his batting style and why he batted in a way that did not make him pleasant to the eyes.
“I thought I was branded a very boring batsman who blocked even half-volleys,” he was quoted as saying by The Hindu.
“I have not shared this but let me tell you it was not my natural game. I was also a stroke-player. I was a top run-getter in the one-day tournaments (Wills Trophy and Deodhar Trophy). I played two World Cups (1975 and 1979). In Tests, I was instructed to hold one end up. And I was stupid to follow the instructions to the hilt. My job was to hang in until the ball lost its shine. I was supposed to be a wall. But I am proud of what I did,” he revealed.
Gaekwad’s first-class career spanned over two decades during which he scored over 12,000 runs and picked up 143 wickets. He contributed to the game even after retirement, plying his trade as a selector, coach and administrator.
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