Ex-Indian captain Wadekar dies at 77

AFP, MUMBAI: Ajit Wadekar, the man who led India to their first series triumphs in England and the West Indies, died on Wednesday at the age of 77, the Press Trust of India reported.

Wadekar died at a hospital in Mumbai after battling a prolonged illness, the news agency said.

The former batsman, who led India to victories in England and the West Indies in 1971, scored 2,113 runs in just 37 Test matches, including one century.

Tributes poured in on social media for Wadekar, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailing him as “a great batsman & wonderful captain”.

“He led our team to some of the most memorable victories in our cricketing history”, Modi tweeted.

India coach Ravi Shastri also paid tribute, tweeting a photo of Wadekar during his heyday as a cricketer.

Indian cricket heroes on Thursday paid tribute to Ajit Wadekar.

“He will always be remembered as the 'renaissance man' of Indian cricket," said Board of Control for Cricket in India chief executive Rahul Johri, after it was announced that Wadekar had died in hospital in Mumbai following a long illness.

“The West Indies and England were two extremely strong teams and beating them in their backyard was almost impossible.”

Wadekar was the first captain of India's one-day team and he went on to become a powerbroker as coach, manager and chairman of the Indian selectors and mentor to future stars.

Indian legends from Sachin Tendulkar to Mohammed Azharuddin and Anil Kumble all paid tribute to Wadekar's influence in India's rise to become a cricket superpower.

“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,” said Tendulkar.

“Wadekar Sir,” as he was known, was manager of the Indian side in which Tendulkar flourished as an opener. Azharuddin also thrived as India's captain from 1993 to 1996 under Wadekar's guidance.

Azharuddin said that Wadekar had been “iconic” and a "father figure for me .. May his soul rest in peace.”

Kumble, who made his comeback to the Indian team in a 1992-93 tour of South Africa, said that Wadekar “was more than a coach to the entire team -- a father figure and a shrewd tactician.”

“Thank you Sir for the confidence shown in my ability!” Kumble added.

Bishan Bedi, the spin bowler and contemporary of Wadekar, admitted that he had “differences of opinion” with the great batsman but hailed Wadekar as a “fine batsman” who served Indian cricket with “aplomb.”

Wadekar's funeral is to be held in Mumbai on Friday.

Ex-Indian captain Wadekar dies at 77

AFP, MUMBAI: Ajit Wadekar, the man who led India to their first series triumphs in England and the West Indies, died on Wednesday at the age of 77, the Press Trust of India reported. Wadekar died at a hospital in Mumbai after battling a prolonged illness, the news agency said. The former batsman, who led India to victories in England and the West Indies in 1971, scored 2,113 runs in just 37 Test matches, including one century. Tributes poured in on social media for Wadekar, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailing him as a great batsman wonderful captain. He led our team to some of the most memorable victories in our cricketing history, Modi tweeted. India coach Ravi Shastri also paid tribute, tweeting a photo of Wadekar during his heyday as a cricketer. Indian cricket heroes on Thursday paid tribute to Ajit Wadekar. He will always be remembered as the renaissance man of Indian cricket, said Board of Control for Cricket in India chief executive Rahul Johri, after it was announced that Wadekar had died in hospital in Mumbai following a long illness. The West Indies and England were two extremely strong teams and beating them in their backyard was almost impossible. Wadekar was the first captain of Indias one-day team and he went on to become a powerbroker as coach, manager and chairman of the Indian selectors and mentor to future stars. Indian legends from Sachin Tendulkar to Mohammed Azharuddin and Anil Kumble all paid tribute to Wadekars influence in Indias rise to become a cricket superpower. He was someone who was instrumental in bringing out the best in us during the 90s. Well always be grateful for his advice and guidance, said Tendulkar. Wadekar Sir, as he was known, was manager of the Indian side in which Tendulkar flourished as an opener. Azharuddin also thrived as Indias captain from 1993 to 1996 under Wadekars guidance. Azharuddin said that Wadekar had been iconic and a father figure for me .. May his soul rest in peace. Kumble, who made his comeback to the Indian team in a 1992-93 tour of South Africa, said that Wadekar was more than a coach to the entire team -- a father figure and a shrewd tactician. Thank you Sir for the confidence shown in my ability! Kumble added. Bishan Bedi, the spin bowler and contemporary of Wadekar, admitted that he had differences of opinion with the great batsman but hailed Wadekar as a fine batsman who served Indian cricket with aplomb. Wadekars funeral is to be held in Mumbai on Friday.