President, PM pay tributes to former cricket captain Ajit Wadekar
President Ramnath Kovind and PM Narendra Modi joined Indian cricket fraternity in offering tributes to former captain Ajit Wadekar, who died at 77 in Mumbai yesterday after prolonged illness. Wadekar played 37 Tests and scored 2,113 runs. He is best remembered for being the captain of the Indian team which won Test series in England and West Indies for the first time in 1971.
Kovind, in his message, wrote, "Sad at the passing of Ajit Wadekar, one of Indian cricket's finest left-handed batsman and captain during iconic overseas Test victories in 1971 in the Caribbean and in England. Condolences to his family and cricket fraternity (sic)".
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
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
Shocked to hear about the demise of Former Captain of the Indian Cricket Team Shri Ajit Wadekar!
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 15, 2018
We lost a great cricket player, first Indian captain to achieve overseas wins, aggressive batsman and an all rounder.
My deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans! pic.twitter.com/IENDsoEmfe
The BCCI too remembered Wadekar's contribution to cricket not just as a player but also as a team manager and selector. India's Head Coach Ravi Shastri, whose last series as Indian player (in South Africa) was incidentally Wadekar's first as manager, also expressed his grief.
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
Sad moment for Indian cricket to lose one of its most successful captains. Shrewd to the core. Condolences to the entire family #TeamIndia #RIPAjitWadekar pic.twitter.com/0xC0fv3Ark
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) August 15, 2018
