On the third day of the ongoing third Test against England, Indian players paid homage to the late former captain Dattajirao Gaekwad by donning black armbands. This solemn gesture served as a poignant tribute to a cricketing legend who made a significant impact on the Indian cricketing landscape.
Dattajirao Gaekwad, a stalwart in Indian cricket, participated in 11 Tests for the national team from 1951 to 1962. His illustrious career came to a close on February 13, after spending 12 days in the hospital. Remarkably, at the age of 95, he held the distinguished title of being India's oldest living Test cricketer.
The sorrowful news of Dattajirao's passing reverberated throughout the cricketing community. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated the commencement of the third day's play at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, announcing the team's decision to wear black armbands in memory of the revered former captain.
The statement eloquently conveyed, "Team India will be wearing black armbands in memory of Dattajirao Gaekwad, former India captain and India's oldest Test cricketer who passed away recently."
Dattajirao Gaekwad's influence extended beyond the cricket field as he became a cricketing patriarch. His son, Aunshuman Gaekwad, followed in his footsteps, achieving success as both a batter and a coach for the Indian cricket team. The legacy of the Gaekwad family has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket, and the players' gesture of wearing black armbands served as a poignant reminder of the rich history and contributions of one of the game's respected figures.
A right-handed batter with the versatility to bowl both medium pace and leg-break, Dattajirao Gaekwad etched his name in history as India's captain during the challenging 1959 tour of England. His leadership and cricketing prowess continue to be remembered and celebrated, making the black armbands worn by the Indian team not only a symbol of mourning but also a display of profound respect for a cricketing icon.
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