Dattaji Rao Gaekwad, the Baroda stalwart, bid farewell at 95, closing a chapter on one of India’s understated cricket heroes. From troubling opponents with exquisite cover drives to leading the national side, his career blended artistry and grit across two decades.
Hailing from Baroda, where he was born in 1928, Gaekwad dominated domestic cricket. In 14 years with Baroda, he piled up 3139 runs with 14 hundreds, featuring a mammoth 249 not out versus Maharashtra and two doubles. His presence powered Baroda to Ranji glory in 1957-58, their maiden title.
Internationally, Gaekwad’s Test journey spanned 1952 to 1961, limited to 11 matches but rich in moments. Debuting against England, he opened with poise, his defense rock-solid. A standout 1959 series against West Indies saw him score 52, then 58, 64, 33, 5, and 26. During the tough 1959 England tour, he captained four of five Tests, battling to 128 runs despite the losses.
His early Tests included 88 runs in three games in 1952 and a memorable 43 in 1953. Off-breaks added variety, but it was his fielding and batting flair that dazzled. Gaekwad’s son, Ashuman, emulated him with 40 Tests and 15 ODIs.
As tributes pour in, Gaekwad’s era reminds us of cricket’s evolution—from Ranji fields to Test arenas—where technique triumphed over odds. His passing on February 13, 2024, marks the end of an epoch, but his strokes live on in memory.