(Image Courtesy: Times Now)
Former Indian captain Ajit Wadekar who led team India to historical test wins against England and West Indies in 1971 passed away yesterday in Mumbai due to prolonged illness.
Wadekar who was 77 years of age is survived by his wife, 2 sons and a daughter.
“He was critically unwell for sometime and was seeking treatment for the same,” read a statement from the Jaslok Hospital in south Mumbai.
His last rites is set to take place on Friday confirmed members from Wadekar’s family.
Ajit also takes the pride in being the first person to captain India in ODI cricket. Even though he retired from cricket in 1974, he came back as the team’s manager in the 1996 world cup leading them to a semi final finish.
Here are some of the tweets from former and current players who expressed their condolences for the great man.
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
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
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
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
Deeply saddened by the demise of an iconic Indian cricketer Ajit Wadekar ji. Thoughts with his family and close ones. May his soul rest in peace.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) 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
Much-loved former India captain Ajit Wadekar, who led India to their first overseas Test series victories, has passed away aged 77.
READ ⬇️https://t.co/2gfjCYnn9c pic.twitter.com/ogWsucUbU9
— ICC (@ICC) August 15, 2018
Extremely sad to hear the demise of Ajit Wadekar Sir. Indian cricket team achieved so many great victories under his captaincy. Condolences to the family. RIP sir
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) 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
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
With a heavy heart we bid adieu to Ajit Wadekar. The former India captain is no more. Cricketer, Coach, Manager and Chairman of Selectors – Mr Wadekar served Indian cricket in many different ways. pic.twitter.com/6zdFtleXB9
— BCCI (@BCCI) 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
#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
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
Really sad to hear about the demise of such a legendary player. Always so inspiring to so many budding cricketers. Rest in peace #AjitWadekar Sir. My condolences to his family.
— cheteshwar pujara (@cheteshwar1) August 16, 2018
Saddened by the passing away of #AjitWadekar Sir. May his soul rest in peace.
— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) August 16, 2018
Sad at the passing of Ajit Wadekar, one of Indian cricket’s finest left-handed batsman and captain during the iconic overseas test victories in 1971 in the Caribbean and England. Condolences to his family and to the cricket fraternity #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 15, 2018
Saddened to learn about the demise of Mr . Ajit Wadekar, my sincere condolences and may his soul RIP.#AjitWadekar
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) August 16, 2018
REST IN PEACE #AjitWadekar ji. You will always be remembered as one of the finest captain in the history of Indian cricket. My Heartfelt condolences to family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/QUM9JnwjbG
— Pragyan Prayas Ojha (@pragyanojha) August 16, 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
Really sad to hear about Ajit Wadekar’s demise…will always be remembered as the first man who led India to victories in West Indies and England in 1971. Cricketing world will miss you Sir. R.I.P.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 16, 2018
Ajit Wadekar Sir always had interesting insights to offer me when I met him. One such instance was when he said, "Play the way you are playing and play Khadoos" 🙂
Will miss you Sir… 🙏 pic.twitter.com/InmyJZvK2H— ajinkyarahane88 (@ajinkyarahane88) August 16, 2018
Deeply saddened by the news of the demise of #AjitWadekar. One of India’s finest left handers and the captain who led India to victories in England & West Indies in 1971. Sir, your contribution to Indian cricket has been immense. Condolences to your family. RIP. 🙏
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) August 16, 2018
Extremely saddened by the demise of stylish batsman & former India cricket captain, Shri Ajit Wadekar who led India to historic series triumphs against England & West Indies in 1971. Heartfelt condolences to bereaved family members. #AjitWadekar pic.twitter.com/fdTkAhfPqo
— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) August 16, 2018
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