Some players are there to rule the game and make a mark in our lives forever and when they make a final exit, they take us back to a beautiful journey of life which gave the players, the society and this great nation a huge pride when the World Cricket treated India / Indians as minnows and people like Wadekar made us believe Together, We can !
Ajit Wadekar was known for giving us surprises and as a true son of the soil decided to get out on a special day 15th August.
Circa 1971, and only a day dreamer would have expected India to win in England and even a day dream would have got goose bumps if one ever thought India could beat the mighty Windies. As the world expected a humiliating defeat and a scapegoat, here was Wadekar presenting a wonder boy in brand Gavaskar to the world and an unmovable Dilip Sardesai ably supported by spin trio ensuring arrival of belief in abilities for cricket in India. As they say, rest is history with Vishy,Sunny, Kapil and innumerable stalwarts thereafter. But the pioneer of India’s overseas wins would always be Wadekar( matched only by The Wall).
Wadekar being a true Mumbaikar gave it back to what he got and where from and though he was in line for coveted chairmanship of SBI, his first love for cricket made him choose his own lifeline ahead of lucrative corporate glory but being true professional there was no compromise when it came for the nation whether it was cricket or the bank.
Rare gems are born once in a while and when they glitter they pass on all the positivities surrounding them.
I was privileged to listen Wadekar’s speech courtesy my cricket guru, my father when I was in Nagpur as a school going student and the memories of those words would be the most wonderful thoughts I have ever come across.
I won’t say RIP Wadekar as someone like him will always be there in our hearts and make us feel better.
We are gonna miss you Wadekar !!
- Jayawant
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