Indian cricket legend Anshuman Gaekwad is facing a tough challenge off the field. He’s been battling blood cancer for a year now, undergoing treatment in London.
This news comes from former teammate Sandeep Patil, who revealed Gaekwad’s situation in a recent column with Mid-Day. Gaekwad’s fight has been largely private, with the public unaware of his condition or his need for financial aid.
Patil and Vengsarkar reached out for help
Patil’s visit to Gaekwad at King’s College Hospital shed light on the urgency. He, along with Dilip Vengsarkar, reached out to the BCCI for financial assistance for Gaekwad’s treatment.
Patil believes any cricket board should support its former players, especially a decorated one like Gaekwad. Gaekwad, a respected figure in Indian cricket, played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs for the nation.
Patil urged the BCCI to prioritize Gaekwad’s case, emphasizing that this isn’t just about financial aid, but potentially saving a life.
“I’m sure he will facilitate this and, at the risk of sounding macabre, save Anshu’s life. Any cricketer from any country should be helped by his Board, but Anshu’s case must be taken on priority and treated as paramount,” Patil concluded.
Gaekwad Coached Indian and Kenyan Team
Post-retirement, Gaekwad turned into a coach, serving as the head coach of the Indian cricket team from 2000 to 2001 and leading the Kenyan cricket team during the 1999 World Cup.
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