‘A sweet reminder of my contribution,’ says Aunshuman Gaekwad

After the Test cap in 1974, the Lifetime Achievement award from the BCCI is closest to his heart. For Aunshuman Gaekwad, who played 22 of his 40 Tests against the ferocious West Indies team, it is a “great honour and a sweet reminder” of his contribution to the game he inherited from his father Dattajirao Gaekwad who represented India in 11 Tests.

Gaekwad was a dogged batsman at the crease, gutsy and disciplined. “I thought I was branded a very boring batsman who blocked even half-volleys,” he laughs.

There was a reason for Gaekwad batting the way he did. “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 told The Hindu.

Exceptional judge

Gaekwad was an exceptional judge of the length of the ball. “I was good at leaving the ball. It’s an art to pick which ball not to play.” A First Class career of 24 years made Gaekwad a stalwart in Indian cricket. His association did not end after his playing days were over. He served the game as a selector, coach and administrator.

Gaekwad is now an expert in the media. “I know nothing other than cricket. I concentrated on having an association with the game in whatever role I was given. The game has evolved and so have I. Only after becoming a coach I realised how wrong I was in making some decisions as a player. Only when I became a selector I discovered how some coaches also make mistakes. I have always believed in spot coaching than lap-top coaching.”

Was he a West Indies specialist? “You should ask those selectors. But I loved playing against some of the fastest bowlers of all times.”

Gaekwad, 65, picked G.R. Viswanath as the batsman for all eras. “He would have been a huge success in T20. He could find gaps at will, play every shot, from late-cut to stunning flicks with ease. He was a rare artist at the crease.”