Former India captain Ajit Wadekar passed away at a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday, August 15. He was 77 and was suffering from prolonged illness.
Wadekar's feats as captain is an integral part of Indian cricket history as he had led the team to two landmark away series wins in 1971.
The elegant left-hander, who had replaced legendary Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi as the captain of the team, would help India beat a Gary Sobers-led West Indies side 1-0 — the Asian side's first-ever series win in the Caribbean.
With debutant Sunil Gavaskar, and Dileep Sardesai leading the batting show, Wadekar unleashed the spin trio of S Venkataraghavan, Bishan Singh Bedi and EAS Prasanna on the West Indies.
The three spinners, who would go on to become legends, repaid the trust their captain showed in them by picking 48 wickets between them in the five-Test series in West Indies.
India conquer the Old Blighty for the first time
Wadekar then helped India conquer the Old Blighty for the first time in Tests. The Indian side achieved the overseas double when they outclassed a Ray Illingworth-led English side in a three-Test series in August, four months after their historic feat in the West Indies.
India were unofficially called the world champions at that time. Wadekar then went on to become the first Indian captain to achieve a hat-trick of series wins as he led the side to a 2-1 win over Tony Lewis' English side in 1972-73 at home.
Wadekar's international career spanned 12 years, in which he scored 2113 runs at an average of 31.07 in 37 matches. Known for his brilliant slip catching abilities, he also scored 15,380 first-class runs, playing for Mumbai. He hit 36 tons and 84 half-centuries from 237 matches.
Wadekar's international career ended as an anti-climax as he was reportedly forced to retire following a 3-0 crushing during India's tour of England in 1974.
The legendary captain though returned to the fold in 1992 when he was appointed as the first official head coach of the Indian cricket team.
Tributes have been pouring in for one of the greats of the game from the cricket fraternity. Check out a few of them below.
A rare Cricketer, Captain, Coach, Manager and Chairman of Selectors - a truly great servant of Indian Cricket. Heartfelt condolences to family and loved ones. Om Shanti Ajit Wadekar Sir ?? pic.twitter.com/67UVcvJUK9
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 16, 2018
Ajit Wadekar will be remembered for his rich contribution to Indian cricket. A great batsman & wonderful captain, he led our team to some of the most memorable victories in our cricketing history. He was also respected as an effective cricket administrator. Pained by his demise.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2018
Sad moment for Indian cricket to lose one of its most successful captains. Shrewd to the core. Condolences to the entire family #TeamIndia #RIPAjitWadekar pic.twitter.com/0xC0fv3Ark
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) August 15, 2018
Deeply saddened by the passing away of #AjitWadekar He was more than a coach to the entire team - a father figure and a shrewd tactician. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. He will be missed. Thank you Sir for the confidence shown in my ability! ?
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 16, 2018
India's efforts to improve its away Test record should now have a name, make it the Ajit Wadekar Project. Name it after the man who led India to wins in England and West Indies for the first time ever, if that can't inspire you nothing will #cricket
— Chandresh Narayanan (@chand2579) August 15, 2018
Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Ajit Wadekar Sir. He was someone who was instrumental in bringing out the best in us during the 90s. We'll always be grateful for his advice and guidance. Praying for strength for his family during this difficult time. ? RIP pic.twitter.com/coSyac73ot
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 16, 2018
Ajit Wadekar is rightly honoured for leading India to its first series wins in West Indies and England. And in domestic cricket, he had a fantastic record, not least against my own Karnataka; no batsman so dominated Prasanna and Chandrasekhar as he. RIP.
— Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) August 16, 2018
Ajit Wadekar ji my captain a true inspiration for all of us, my heart felt condolences to his family. RIP Ajit bhai.
— Madan Lal (@MadanLal1983) August 15, 2018
Ajit Wadekar's impact on Indian cricket is immense. His contemporaries worshipped him, such was his aura. Found him to be a tough character as coach. Exceptional Indian cricketer... RIP Sir.?
Recorded this on my iPhone last Dec from Point in a friendly fixture. So glad I did. pic.twitter.com/XbdFGn4Izp— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) August 15, 2018
Very very sad news: the iconic former Indian cricket captain Ajit Wadekar is no more. Sir, will miss you ! RIP
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) August 15, 2018
So many memories of Ajit Wadekar. None more powerful than leading India to series wins in 1971 in England and the West Indies. Much admired, much loved. Page in Indian cricket and in our memories.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 15, 2018
Sad news from Mumbai. Ajit Wadekar, the first captain to lead Indian team to overseas test victory, passes away.
He was an institution in himself and India has lost a prolific cricketer with his demise.
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) August 16, 2018
#AjitWadekar sir .. such an iconic person..deeply saddened by his demise!! Sir was a father figure for me.. May his soul rest in peace! My Heartfelt Condolences to the family..@BCCI pic.twitter.com/xLMb2i82B2
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) August 15, 2018
Great lose to the Cricket fraternity.. my condolences to his whole family RIP Ajit Wadekar sir
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) August 16, 2018
The man who led the original Indian cricket Revolution in 1971 in West Indies and England is no more. Ajit Wadekar RIP.
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) August 15, 2018
V sad news-Ajit Wadekar passing away-only Indn Capt to win 3 series in a row-2 away 1 at home-ALW was good contemporary-we had differences o opinion but always respected glory o Crkt-fine batsman & great close in catch-served Indn Crkt w/aplomb as player/Selectr/Coach-RIP Jeetu!
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) August 15, 2018
This is sad news.
The great Ajit Wadekar is no more.1971 was no less than a World Cup victory. Maybe more....
You will be missed dear captain.#AjitWadekar
— Boman Irani (@bomanirani) August 15, 2018
