Dattajirao Gaekwad, India’s oldest Test cricketer, dies at 95 – Northeast News, Dattajirao Gaekwad, India’s oldest Test cricketer, dies at 95 – Northeast News.

Dattajirao Gaekwad: India’s Oldest Living Test Cricketer Passes Away at 95

India’s cricketing fraternity is mourning the loss of one of its venerable icons, Dattajirao Gaekwad, the nation’s oldest living Test cricketer. Gaekwad, aged 95, passed away on Tuesday after battling age-related ailments in the ICU of a Baroda hospital for 12 days.

A Storied Career on the Cricket Field

Dattajirao Gaekwad, a stalwart of the game, etched his name in the annals of Indian cricket with an illustrious career spanning from 1952 to 1961. Despite a modest Test career comprising 11 matches, Gaekwad’s impact transcended statistics.

Renowned as an accidental Indian captain during the 1959 tour of England, Gaekwad’s journey on the cricket field was as storied as it was significant. His elegant cover drives, reminiscent of strokes from the peerless Vijay Hazare, left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape of his era.

Contributions On and Off the Field

Although Gaekwad’s Test career had a statistical average below 20, his intrinsic value to the Indian team during a tumultuous period cannot be overlooked. Despite facing criticism for nepotism due to his perceived closeness to Fatehsinh Gaekwad, the Maharaja of Vadodara and the erstwhile manager of the national team, he made immense contributions to the game.

Christopher Martin-Jenkins, the esteemed British cricket writer, praised Gaekwad’s cover drives as “delightfully crisp,” a testament to his exquisite batting prowess. While his international career faced challenges, Gaekwad’s dominance in domestic cricket, especially for Baroda, was undisputed.

His pivotal role in Baroda’s maiden Ranji Trophy triumph in 1957-58, along with stellar performances against formidable opponents, highlighted his mettle as a cricketer of rare talent. However, his achievements often played second fiddle to the towering presence of Hazare, leaving an enduring legacy of unfulfilled potential.

A Reminder of the Enduring Spirit of the Game

As the cricketing fraternity mourns the loss of one of its luminaries, Dattajirao Gaekwad’s legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of the game and the indomitable resolve of those who grace the field in pursuit of glory.

In Conclusion

Dattajirao Gaekwad’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, have left an indelible mark on the hearts of cricket enthusiasts. As we bid farewell to this esteemed cricketer, let us remember the joy he brought to the game and the legacy he leaves behind.