Ajit Wadekar Passes Away: Late Cricketer Cremated With Full State Honours in Mumbai (Watch Video)

Ajit Wadekar breathed his last breath at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai after a prolonged illness. The former Indian Captain was laid to rest today at Shivaji Park, Mumbai with full state honours. Wadekar’s body was kept at his Worli residence. Immediately after the news of his death broke out, several cricketers including Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Sunil Gavaskar offered their condolences to the family.

Yesterday, ahead of their practice in Nottingham, the Indian team also offered expressed their sadness by offering a two-minute long silence on the ground. Wadekar’s body was wrapped in tri-colour and was taken to the Shivaji Park gymkhana in an open truck. Sandeep Patil, Nilesh Kulkarni, domestic cricketer Padmakar Shivalkar also offered their respects at the Shivaji Park Gymkhana.

Jatin Paranjape and his father Vasu was also present at the crematorium. In the presence of his family and friends, the Mumbai Police gave a gun salute.

Ajit Wadekar led the Indian contingent when the team first time won the series in West Indies and England in 1972-73. However, he was forced to retire from the game when India lost to England 0-3 in 1974.

Ajit Wadekar also served as the Manager of the Indian cricket team, and Chairman of Selection Committee during his lifetime. Wadekar was honoured with prestigious Arjuna Award and Padmashri Award in 1967 and 1972 respectively, for his contribution in the field of sports. It comes as a sad news for a cricket fan to hear about the demise of a sportsperson of great stature.

(With Inputs from PTI)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 17, 2018 08:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).