Dattajirao Gaekwad, India’s longest-living Test cricketer passes away aged 95

India’s longest-living Test cricketer and former captain Dattajirao Krishnarao Gaekwad passed away at his residence in Baroda on Tuesday. He was 95.

Gaekwad made his India debut during the tour to England in 1952 and subsequently featured in 10 more Tests for the country, his last appearance coming against Pakistan in Chennai in 1961. After a brief stint in the side in the 1952-53 season, Gaekwad returned as skipper of the national side during its tour to England six years later, in 1959. While he made over 1100 runs on the tour, England comfortably whitewashed the visitors 5-0.

Under the shade of the banyan tree at the Motibag cricket ground, from his blue Maruti car, Indian captain D.K. Gaekwad sir tirelessly scouted young talent for Baroda cricket, shaping the future of our team. His absence will be deeply felt. A great loss for cricketing community.… pic.twitter.com/OYyE2ppk88

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 13, 2024

Gaekwad, however, revelled in domestic cricket and led Baroda to their first Ranji Trophy title in almost a decade during the 1957-58 season. Gaekwad struck a hundred (132) in an innings-victory against Services in the final. Overall, he amassed 5788 runs in 110 First-Class games with 17 hundreds and a career-best of 249*.

Gaekwad, who was India’s longest-living Test cricketer since mid-2016, is the father of former India cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad, who also coached the national side in two stints.

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