Ajit Laxman Wadekar, often regarded as one of India’s most influential cricket players, was born on April 1, 1941, in Bombay, India. Known for his aggressive left-hand batting style, Wadekar was a force to be reckoned with during his playing days. His name is forever etched in the history books of Indian cricket as the captain who led India to their first-ever historic triumphs in the West Indies and England in 1971.
Wadekar’s journey in the world of cricket began when he made his first-class debut in the 1958-59 season. However, despite his consistent big scores in domestic cricket, he had to wait for nearly eight years to earn a place in the Indian national team. Finally, in the 1966-67 season, Wadekar got his chance to represent India and wasted no time in making his mark.
For the next seven years, Wadekar established himself as a vital cog in the Indian batting lineup. Renowned as one of the best No. 3 batsmen in Indian cricket history, he dazzled spectators with his scintillating strokeplay and unrivaled technique. His contributions to the team extended beyond batting, as he also earned a reputation as one of the finest slip fielders.
In January 1971, Vijay Merchant, chairman of the selection committee, chose Wadekar to replace MAK Pataudi as the captain of the Indian team. Though not known for his tactical acumen, Wadekar proved himself to be a capable leader, steering the team to victory against West Indies and later against England. The series win against England was India’s first on English soil.
Building on this success, Wadekar led India to yet another series triumph over England, this time on home soil, in 1972-73. But his most challenging test came in 1974 when he took the team to England. Unfortunately, the tour turned out to be a disaster for India as they lost all three Tests, which led to Wadekar’s forced retirement from cricket.
Post-retirement, Wadekar stayed involved in the world of cricket. Three decades later, he made a successful return to Indian cricket in a managerial role, working closely with legendary player Mohammad Azharuddin. Wadekar’s understanding of the game and his ability to build strong relationships with the players contributed to India’s success under his management.
In 2007, Wadekar took on the role of a match referee in the Indian Cricket League (ICL). However, he was released from his contract with the unofficial league in 2009, after which he was granted amnesty by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Ajit Wadekar’s contribution to Indian cricket is immeasurable. His leadership, skill, and dedication to the sport left an indelible mark on the nation’s cricketing history. Even though his playing career may have ended on a disappointing note, his achievements as a player and as a manager cemented his place among the all-time greats of Indian cricket.
