Former Team India opener Madhav Apte passes away at 86
Former Indian Test opener Madhav Apte passed away at the age of 86. His demise occurred on Monday in Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai. The Mumbaikar had played seven Tests for India within a span of four months, before fading away, as he never played for the side again. As the cricketing fraternity bids adieu to him, here are further details about him.
It was former Mumbai batsman and Apte's junior team-mate Shishir Hattangadi, who confirmed his demise. Hattangadi said Apte was not keeping well for the past two months and had age-related problems. "I was told that he suffered a cardiac arrest this morning. The memories are of a lovely human being, he embraced sports romantics, a lovely man to spend time with," said Hattangadi.
"He would tell you stories of people and events you have only heard of. But, he rarely spoke about his own career. Very dignified. He was a senior that you respected...a great loss, but he lived his life well," added Hattangadi.
Talking about Apte's Test career, he made his debut against Pakistan in November 1952 in Mumbai, where he scored 40 runs, across the two innings. He went on to play seven Tests, scoring 542 runs at an average of 49.27, including a century, with the highest score 163* against the West Indies. His sudden falling out with the selectors still baffles cricket fans.
As far as Apte's First-Class career goes, he created an impact with his batting. He played a total of 67 matches for teams like Mumbai, and Bengal, and scored 3,336 runs in 102 innings at an average of 38.79, including six centuries and the top score of an unbeaten 165. He had also claimed four wickets in the format. RIP, Apte Sir!
Highest batting average as an Indian Test opener
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) September 23, 2019
Min 500 runs
56.75 - Vijay Merchant
50.29 - Sunil Gavaskar
50.14 - Virender Sehwag
49.27 - Madhav Apte
44.04 - Ravi Shastri
Have fond memories of Madhav Apte Sir.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) September 23, 2019
I got to play against him at Shivaji Park when I was 14.
Still remember the time when he Dungarpur Sir let me play for the CCI as a 15-year old. He always supported me was a well wisher.
May his Soul Rest In Peace🙏 pic.twitter.com/NKp6NicyO5
I am in mourning at the passing of Shri Madhav Apte. Deep, genuine cricket lover, quality batsman himself (7 tests at an avg of 49.3), and a classy, dignified human being. From an era where love for the game was unconditional. Wonderful host, great story-teller.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 23, 2019
