Former India International Madhav Apte Passes Away at 86

Mumbai: Veteran cricketer Madhav Apte died after suffering a cardiac arrest here on Monday morning, a family member said. He was 86.

The former India and Mumbai opener was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital where he breathed his last at 6.09 am, his son Vaman Apte said.

Madhav Apte played seven Tests in which he scored 542 runs, with a lone hundred and three fifties to his credit. His highest score was 163 not out. He had a much better first class record where he scored 3,336 runs from 67 matches, including six hundreds and 16 fifties. His highest first class score was 165 not out.

He made his Test debut against Pakistan at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai in November 1952 and played his last test against West Indies at Kingston in April 1953. In his debut Test, he made 30 and 10 not out, respectively.

He was the first Indian opener to aggregate over 400 runs in a Test series (460 runs against West Indies in 1953). He also captained Mumbai in domestic cricket.

Madhav Apte was assigned as the opening batsman by legendary Vinoo Mankad. He played along with several legendary cricketers, including Mankad, Polly Umrigar, Vijay Hazare and Rusi Modi.

He earlier also served as president of the iconic CCI, an official said. Till his last breath, he was president of the 'Legends Club', a group formed to celebrate the achievements of different sportspersons.

"Post retirement, he donned the hat of president of Cricket Club of India in Mumbai and was instrumental in bringing in a 14-year old Sachin Tendulkar into the CCI side then. Off the field he was often known for his unconditional love and support for the game and his tales of yore that got the attention of many former and current players.

"He will remain one of the most loved cricketers and the BCCI extends its deepest condolences to his family and friends in this hour of grief," the BCCI paid tribute in a statement.

The Giles Shield from The Late Madhav Apte A gentleman who will be loved and revered forever #RIPMadhavApte pic.twitter.com/Rbh0EN6CwD

— shishir hattangadi (@shishhattangadi) September 23, 2019

Former Mumbai cricketer Shishir Hattangadi took to Twitter to offer his condolences. "Another institution of Bombay and Mumbai Cricket comes to an end. RIP Madhav Rao Apte. Will treasure those long discussions with you cricket from your days!" he tweeted.

"Madhav Apte had a bag of stories. From Vinoo Mankad to his buddy Subhya Fergie Gupte. To listen to him was rewinding cricket history. Dignified affable yet accessible as senior. Passing Pedder Road and Woodland Apartments each time will bring back memories with a smile.#RIP, Hattangadi said in another tweet.

Other prominent players too tweeted about Apte.

Deeply saddened by the demise of Madhav Apte sir. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) September 23, 2019

He had a test average touching 50 despite not getting enough opportunities. Played active cricket till he was 71. A legend of Mumbai and Indian cricket passed away today. You will be missed Madhav Apte sir. #MadhavApte #rip pic.twitter.com/cDoOTXBQWm

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) September 23, 2019

At a loss of words, hearing about the passing away of Madhav Apte Sir.
I knew him as a kid and looked up to him for advice. He always motivated me and pushed me to do well.
Both me and my father had the privilege of playing cricket with him.
May your soul Rest in Peace Sir!🙏 pic.twitter.com/Z77PL9sFDu

— VINOD KAMBLI (@vinodkambli349) September 23, 2019

Saddened to hear about the demise of Madhav Apte ji. Great story teller and played cricket till he was 71. My thoughts and prayers with his family. pic.twitter.com/zoKlpQ2Gay

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) September 23, 2019

In fact ICC too tweeted about former India opener's death.

"He will remain one of the most loved cricketers."

Former India Test opener Madhav Apte passes away at 86.

READ: https://t.co/GkJXBmrwp4 pic.twitter.com/FN4NCbma9e

— ICC (@ICC) September 23, 2019