Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh lead cricketing fraternity's tributes to former India cricket captain Ajit Wadekar who passed away in Mumbai’s Jaslok Hospital on Wednesday after a prolonged illness. Ajit Laxman Wadekar who played international international cricket between 1966 and 1974 was 77 at the time of his death. Wadekar, dubbed as an 'aggressive batsman' played 37 Tests, had led India to historic triumphs in the West Indies and England in the 1970s. President Ram Nath Kovind, PM Narendra Modi Condole Former India Cricket Captain Ajit Wadekar's Demise.

Ajit Wadekar was the man who taught Team India to win outside the subcontinent on foreign tours. Under him, India won five matches in the West Indies in the early 1970s before beating England in a three-match series. He scored 2,113 Test runs with 14 half centuries and a century, led India to a third successive series victory, beating England once again in 1972-73. He also appeared in two One-day Internationals, making Ajit Wadekar the first captain of the Indian ODI Cricket team when he led against England at Leeds on July 13, 1974. Ajit Wadekar Passes Away at 77: Watch Videos of Former Indian Captain & Team Manager Talk About His Cricketing Life.

Here's how the cricketing world reacted to the saddening demise of beloved and highly respected former captain and coach of Indian Cricket Team, Ajit Wadekar.

Sachin Tendulkar's heartfelt tweet on Ajit Wadekar's sad demise reads: "Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Ajit Wadekar Sir. He was someone who was instrumental in bringing out the best in us during the 90s. We’ll always be grateful for his advice and guidance. Praying for strength for his family during this difficult time. 🙏 RIP".

Legendary Indian spinner and coach of Team India, Anil Kumble writes, "Deeply saddened by the passing away of #AjitWadekar He was more than a coach to the entire team - a father figure and a shrewd tactician. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. He will be missed. Thank you Sir for the confidence shown in my ability! 🙏".

An extremely sad Suresh Raina wrote, "Extremely saddened by the news that former Indian cricket captain #AjitWadekar is no more. He led India to many historic victories! My condolences to the friends & family! RIP Sir, you will always be missed!"

Swashbuckling former opening batsman Virender Sehwag tweets, "A rare Cricketer, Captain, Coach, Manager and Chairman of Selectors - a truly great servant of Indian Cricket. Heartfelt condolences to family and loved ones. Om Shanti Ajit Wadekar Sir 🙏🏼"

Indian pacer RP Singh also took to Twitter to write, "Deeply saddened by the passing away of our former captain Ajit Wadekar sir who led our team to many memorable victories against England and West Indies. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace."

The cricket administrative body in India, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier broke the sad news by writing, "With a heavy heart we bid adieu to Ajit Wadekar. The former India captain is no more. Cricketer, Coach, Manager and Chairman of Selectors - Mr Wadekar served Indian cricket in many different ways."

Team India's Turbanator Harbhajan Singh also paid tribute to late Indian coach, writing, "Great lose to the Cricket fraternity.. my condolences to his whole family RIP Ajit Wadekar sir".

Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin tweeted picture of Ajit Wadekar paying his respects to the iconic cricketer, "#AjitWadekar sir .. such an iconic person..deeply saddened by his demise!! Sir was a father figure for me.. May his soul rest in peace! My Heartfelt Condolences to the family..@BCCI".

Cricket commentator Alan Wilkins writes, "Terribly saddened to hear of the passing of one of the finest gentlemen who ever played the game, Mr Ajit Wadekar, former Captain of India, who always had a kind word to say. I first met him as a schoolboy in 1971. RIP Ajit Wadekar, Sir. #AjitWadekar"

Uttar Pradesh captain Mohammad Kaif writes, "Shocked to hear about the demise Ajit Wadekar Sir! My deepest condolences to his family and friends".

A swashbuckling left-handed batsman, Wadekar made his first class debut in 1958-59 before making his India debut in 1966-67. After his retirement, he also served as the Manager of the national team led by Mohammed Azharuddin in the 1990s. Wadekar remains one of the few Indians to represent the country as Test player, captain, coach/manager and also the chairman of selectors. The Government of India honoured Ajit Wadekar with the Arjuna Award (1967) and Padmashri (1972), India's fourth highest civilian honour. (Inputs from IANS).

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 16, 2018 12:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).