Sunil Gavaskar Criticizes BCCI By Saying, “Better late than never”

Team India decided to wear black armbands during their third Test match against England in Rajkot to honor the memory of Dattajirao Gaekwad. Dattajirao Gaekwad was a former Indian cricket captain who passed away at the age of 95. Gaekwad was the oldest living Indian Test cricketer since 2016.

Black Armbands Were Noticed in the Rajkot Test In Memory Of Dattajirao Gaekwad

“Team India will be wearing black armbands in memory of Dattajirao Gaekwad, former India captain and India’s oldest Test cricketer who passed away recently,” the BCCI released a statement ahead of Day 3 of the third Test. The decision to wear black armbands came three days after Gaekwad’s passing, which left former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar upset. He felt the tribute should have been done on the first day of the match but acknowledged that it was better late than never. 

Sunil Gavaskar added in his commentary, “Better late than never… they should’ve done it on Day 1 but better late than never, He was captain of the Indian team in a five-match series. He captained four out of the five matches and the other one was captained by Pankaj Roy.”  

BCCI Remembers Gaekwad’s Impact 

The BCCI added, “The BCCI expresses its profound grief at the passing away of Dattajirao Gaekwad, former India captain and India’s oldest Test cricketer. He played in 11 Tests and led the team during India’s Tour of England in 1959. Under his captaincy, Baroda also won the Ranji Trophy in the 1957-58 season, beating Services in the final. The Board expresses its heartfelt condolences to Gaekwad’s family, friends, and admirers.”

In their message of condolence to Dattajirao Gaekwad’s family, friends, and admirers, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) underscored the profound impact he had on Indian cricket and the cricketing landscape of Baroda. Gaekwad’s legacy extends far beyond his playing days, as he left an indelible mark on the sport through his exemplary leadership, exceptional skills, and unwavering dedication.