Mumbai: Bishan Singh Bedi, Madan Lal and other cricketers expressed their grief over former India captain Ajit Wadekar sudden demise at the age of 77 in Mumbai’s Jaslok Hospital late on Wednesday.
Wadekar, who played 37 Tests for India and scored 2113 runs including one hundred and 14 half-centuries, led India to historic series triumphs in the West Indies and England in 1971.
Bedi wrote on his twitter that the pair had different opinions but he was a fine batsman and a respected cricketer.
“ALW was good contemporary-we had differences o opinion but always respected glory o Crkt-fine batsman & great close in catch-served Indn Crkt w/aplomb as player/Selectr/Coach-RIP Jeetu,” tweeted Bedi.
Madan Lal on the other hand paid his condolences to Wadekar’s family.
“Ajit Wadekar ji my captain a true inspiration for all of us, my heart felt condolences to his family. RIP Ajit bhai,” tweeted Madan Lal.
Wadekar will be remembered for his gutsy knocks at the crucial number three position for years. He was also a great fielder in the slip cordon.
Wadekar took over as captain of the Indian team from MAK Pataudi and proved to be a good leader of men. After leading the country to memorable series wins in the West Indies and England, Wadekar oversaw another series win over England in 1972-73, at home.
However, Wadekar had to retire after India were blanked 3-0 on the tour of England in 1974.
