On the third Test’s Day 3 versus England, the Indian cricketers sported black armbands in Rajkot, Saturday, February 17. The act was a respectful tribute to ex-India skipper, Dattajirao Gaekwad, who passed away recently.
England started Day 3 of the Rajkot Test on 207/2, replying to men in blue first innings total of 445. In the opening session, the hosts scored two early blows: Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Joe Root (18) and Kuldeep Yadav dismissed Jonny Bairstow (0).
A few minutes before the start of play on Day 3, the BCCI sent out a message on its official X Twitter that read:
“#TeamIndia will be wearing black arm bands in memory of Dattajirao Gaekwad, former India captain and India’s oldest Test cricketer who passed away recently. #INDvENG.”
Dattajirao Gaekwad, an ex-captain of India’s Test cricket team, died on Tuesday, February 13, in Vadodara. He held the record as the oldest Test cricketer alive. He was a skilled batsman. Gaekwad had played 11 Tests for India. His score totaled 350 runs and averaged 18.42. He achieved one half-century during his career.
He captained the men in blue on their 1959 tour of England and last played for the country in a 1961 match against Pakistan in Chennai. Gaekwad had a far lengthier first-class career, playing 110 matches and scoring 5,788 runs at an average of 36.40. He also took 25 wickets.
Gaekwad scored 17 hundreds and 23 fifties in his first-class career, including a high of 259. He also coached the Baroda squad.
Anshuman, Gaekwad’s son, played cricket for India also. The Times of India reported that Anshuman, struggling with blood cancer for several months, missed his father’s funeral.
Ashwin leaves Rajkot Test for family medical emergency
Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin, a veteran Team India off-spinner, has withdrawn from the Rajkot Test owing to a family medical issue. The 37-year-old removed Zak Crawley for 15 on Day 2 of the Test match, bringing his total to 500 scalps in the format.
On Friday night, the BCCI confirmed officially: due to a family medical emergency, the player will miss the rest of the Test. Consequently, Men in Blue will continue the Test having only 10 players on the field.
On Day 3 in Rajkot, Men in blue delivered two early punches, but Ben Duckett remained undeterred. He was ultimately removed by Kuldeep for 153 off 151 deliveries. England were 260/5 after 51 overs.