Gavaskar reckoned his opening partner Gaekwad, 70, was a fighter while recalling how the Baroda cricketer fought bouncers and beamers bowled by West Indies pacers who included a pacy Michael Holding in the April 1976 Jamaica Test. 

“After lunch, Michael Holding, Wayne Daniel and everybody started coming round the wicket, bowling four or five bouncers and one beamer. It was a test of fire. The pitch had a lot of bounce and carry. The ball would sometimes get off a length which is what happened to Anshu. Before he could do anything, it struck him. We had to take him to hospital,” said Gavaskar of Gaekwad’s 81 retired hurt.

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Gaekwad represented the country in 40 Tests and 15 ODIs and was an integral part of the Indian team whenever India played the West Indies from 1974-75 to 1987-88.

Gaekwad has worn many hats in Indian cricket—national selector, team coach and a BCCI administrator.

Viswanath recalled Gaekwad’s gutsy show not only in the Kingston Test of 1975-76 but also in his debut series against the same team in 1974-75. Viswanath had no hesitation in saying that the Kingston knock was the bravest knock he has seen.

Vengsarkar revealed how Gaekwad got the nickname, Charlie. “In New Zealand 1975-76, a bar girl asked Anshu, “what can I serve you, Charlie.” It brought the house down!

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