A serendipitous leader on the cricket field, Dattajirao Gaekwad, often an unintentional Indian captain, mesmerized audiences with his cover drives that mirrored the incomparable Vijay Hazare’s finesse. Despite possessing remarkable talent hailing from Baroda, Gaekwad’s Test appearances were limited to just 11, leaving fans wondering what could have been.
On Tuesday, Baroda lost one of its cricketing stalwarts as Gaekwad bid farewell to the world at the impressive age of 95. Statistically, he held the title of the oldest living Indian Test cricketer since the passing of Deepak Shodhan in 2016. Gaekwad’s legacy, however, goes beyond numbers, and his story unfolds as a complex narrative of talent, leadership, and overshadowed brilliance.
Gaekwad’s journey in the cricketing arena was characterized by more than just numbers on the scoreboard. A nightmare for Bombay (Mumbai) teams in the 1950s, his cover drives left an indelible mark in domestic cricket, even though they eluded him on the grand stage from 1952 to 1961.
His son, Anshuman Gaekwad, a cricketer of a different era, found success with a different playing style, showcasing a tight defensive technique in contrast to his father’s flamboyance.
In the tumultuous years post-independence, Gaekwad’s Test average of less than 20 was reflective of a challenging era for the Indian cricket team. He led India during a trying tour of England in 1959, a period when victories were scarce.
Critics speculated about nepotism, linking his captaincy role to his close association with Fatehsinh Gaekwad, the Maharaja of Vadodara, and the national team’s manager. Wisden, the cricketing bible, wasn’t generous in its assessment of his captaincy, noting a lack of “verve and personality.”
Amidst the critiques, Gaekwad’s elevation to the national team remained a dream come true for him. Those were the days when touring teams engaged in numerous first-class games, and Gaekwad held his ground against county sides.
Despite facing challenges against legendary bowlers like Freddie Trueman and Alec Bedser, Gaekwad’s cover drives were acknowledged by the eminent cricket writer Christopher Martin-Jenkins as “delightfully crisp.”
While his international career may have been modest, Gaekwad’s contributions to Baroda’s maiden Ranji Trophy title in 1957-58 were monumental. Overshadowed by Hazare, he consistently delivered outstanding performances, scoring centuries that showcased his prowess.
Gaekwad’s journey may have been one of perpetual overshadowing, but his commitment to the game remains undeniable. As an Indian captain, he carved out a unique piece of history, and despite being the eternal bridesmaid, his efforts on the field will forever be a part of cricketing folklore.
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