India’s oldest test cricketer and former captain Dattajirao Gaekwad Died at the age of 75. bcci Has expressed deep condolence on his demise. According to news agency PTI, Dattajirao was suffering from age-related diseases and died in a hospital in Baroda on Tuesday morning. A member of his family told that he was in ICU for the last 12 days. He was India’s oldest living Test cricketer at this time. Former Test cricketer Deepak Shodhan passed away in 2016, at that time he was the oldest Indian cricketer.
Was also the captain of Team India
Dattajirao was the father of former opening batsman and national coach Anshuman Gaikwad. Dattajirao played 11 Test matches for India between 1952 and 1961 and also captained the team during the 1959 tour of England. Right-handed batsman Dattajirao scored 350 runs in the Test at an average of 18.42 and his highest score was 52 runs. He played his highest innings in 1959 against West Indies in New Delhi.
Made debut under the captaincy of Vijay Hazare
Apart from being a strong batsman, Dattajirao was also known for his excellent fielding. He made his debut under the captaincy of Vijay Hazare in Leeds in 1952 during India’s first tour of England after independence. He started his career as an opening batsman, but later he became a middle-order batsman who is the backbone of the team. Gaikwad played his last match against Pakistan at home.
BCCI expressed grief
BCCI has paid tribute to him by posting an old picture of him. In the post, the board wrote, BCCI has expressed deep sorrow on the demise of former India captain and India’s oldest Test cricketer Dattajirao Gaikwad. He played 11 Tests and led the team during India’s tour of England in 1959. Under his captaincy, Baroda also won the Ranji Trophy in the 1957–58 season, defeating Services in the final. The Board expresses its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans of Gaikwad.
The BCCI expresses its profound grief at the passing away of Dattajirao Gaekwad, former India captain and India’s oldest Test cricketer. He played in 11 Tests and led the team during India’s Tour of England in 1959. Under his captaincy, Baroda also won the Ranji Trophy in the… pic.twitter.com/HSUArGrjDF
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 13, 2024
Represented Baroda in Ranji
Talking about Gaikwad’s Ranji career, he represented Baroda in Ranji Trophy from 1947 to 1961. He scored 3139 runs at an average of 47.56, which included 14 centuries. His highest score was 249 not out against Maharashtra in the 1959–60 season.