Ajit Wadekar donned many hats over the years in Indian cricket, having served as captain, coach, and chief selector. The cricketing fraternity tweeted their tributes following his death, aged 77, in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Sad moment for Indian cricket to lose one of its most successful captains. Shrewd to the core. Condolences to the entire family #TeamIndia #ripajitwadekar pic.twitter.com/0xC0fv3Ark
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) August 15, 2018
With a heavy heart we bid adieu to Ajit Wadekar. The former India captain is no more. Cricketer, Coach, Manager and Chairman of Selectors - Mr Wadekar served Indian cricket in many different ways. pic.twitter.com/6zdFtleXB9
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 15, 2018
Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Ajit Wadekar Sir. He was someone who was instrumental in bringing out the best in us during the 90s. We'll always be grateful for his advice and guidance. Praying for strength for his family during this difficult time. RIP pic.twitter.com/coSyac73ot
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 16, 2018
Deeply saddened by the passing away of #AjitWadekar He was more than a coach to the entire team - a father figure and a shrewd tactician. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. He will be missed. Thank you Sir for the confidence shown in my ability!
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 16, 2018
Ajit Wadekar's impact on Indian cricket is immense. His contemporaries worshipped him, such was his aura. Found him to be a tough character as coach. Exceptional Indian cricketer... RIP Sir.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) August 15, 2018
Recorded this on my iPhone last Dec from Point in a friendly fixture. So glad I did. pic.twitter.com/XbdFGn4Izp
#AjitWadekar sir .. such an iconic person..deeply saddened by his demise!! Sir was a father figure for me.. May his soul rest in peace! My Heartfelt Condolences to the family..@BCCI pic.twitter.com/xLMb2i82B2
— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) August 15, 2018
So many memories of Ajit Wadekar. None more powerful than leading India to series wins in 1971 in England and the West Indies. Much admired, much loved. Page in Indian cricket and in our memories.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) August 15, 2018
V sad news-Ajit Wadekar passing away-only Indn Capt to win 3 series in a row-2 away 1 at home-ALW was good contemporary-we had differences o opinion but always respected glory o Crkt-fine batsman & great close in catch-served Indn Crkt w/aplomb as player/Selectr/Coach-RIP Jeetu!
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) August 15, 2018
Ajit Wadekar Sir always had interesting insights to offer me when I met him. One such instance was when he said, "Play the way you are playing and play Khadoos"
— ajinkyarahane88 (@ajinkyarahane88) August 16, 2018
Will miss you Sir... pic.twitter.com/InmyJZvK2H
Terribly saddened to hear of the passing of one of the finest gentlemen who ever played the game, Mr Ajit Wadekar, former Captain of India, who always had a kind word to say. I first met him as a schoolboy in 1971. RIP Ajit Wadekar, Sir. #AjitWadekar
— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) August 15, 2018
A rare Cricketer, Captain, Coach, Manager and Chairman of Selectors - a truly great servant of Indian Cricket. Heartfelt condolences to family and loved ones. Om Shanti Ajit Wadekar Sir pic.twitter.com/67UVcvJUK9
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 16, 2018
Sad to hear about the passing away of one of the finest Indian cricketers #AjitWadekar. His contribution to the game and his legacy will stay on for generations Thoughts with his well wishers and family members.
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) August 15, 2018
Prominent personalities outside of cricket also shared their memories of Wadekar.
This is sad news.
— Boman Irani (@bomanirani) August 15, 2018
The great Ajit Wadekar is no more.
1971 was no less than a World Cup victory. Maybe more....
You will be missed dear captain.#AjitWadekar
One long-ago afternoon, I walked from Babulnath to a Marine Drive Gymkhana to watch Ajit Wadekar bat in some minor league match. He was all elegance, then he actually walked past and shook my hand. Made this kid's month, even my year. Go well, sir. You gave Indian cricket belief.
— Dilip D'Souza (@DeathEndsFun) August 15, 2018
Ajit Wadekar is rightly honoured for leading India to its first series wins in West Indies and England. And in domestic cricket, he had a fantastic record, not least against my own Karnataka; no batsman so dominated Prasanna and Chandrasekhar as he. RIP.
— Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) August 16, 2018
He beat the West Indies in the West Indies. He beat England in England. He knew how to nurture Gavaskar. He helped India rediscover spin, with Chandrasekhar as his main weapon. He retired too early. As manager, he reminded India how to win again. A true Bombay hero - Wadekar. RIP pic.twitter.com/CBG2U8LmAd
— Salil Tripathi (@saliltripathi) August 15, 2018