'Mankad had a great cricketing brain'

BCCI president Sharad Pawar expressed shock at the sudden demise of former Test player Ashok Mankad in Mumbai on Friday and said he would be missed by the entire cricket fraternity.

"I was shocked to hear the sad news of the demise of Ashok Mankad, a former Test cricketer," Pawar said in a statement.

"Mankad had a great cricketing brain and was regarded by one and all as a great tactician. In the passing away of Mankad, the cricketing fraternity has lost a great friend, philosopher and guide," he added.

Mankad, who played 22 Tests, had also served as manager of the Indian team, besides representing Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy.

"His contribution and records in domestic cricket are unmatched," Pawar said.

After retirement from first class cricket, Mankad served the game as a coach and nurtured the careers of many youngsters. He was also associated with the National Cricket Academy.

BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah condoled Mankad's death on behalf of the Board and fans across the country.

"Indian cricket lost one of its stalwarts when Ashok Mankad passed away earlier today. On behalf of the Board and cricket fans across the land, I would like to express heartfelt condolences to the Mankad family," Shah said in a separate statement.

"He was a gifted batsman, an outstanding captain, and a respected cricket guru. An individual, who dedicated his life to the sport, 'Kaka' will be missed by every single follower of cricket in this country," he added.

Wadekar, captain of the history-making team which won Test rubbers for the first time in the West Indies and England in 1971, with Mankad being a member of both these touring parties, also lives in the Sportsfield building, at Worli Sea Face, where the departed cricketer passed away in his sleep.

"He was a shrewd captain and a very good judge of players. He was a good reader of the wicket, opposition and his own team mates. After all, he was the son of Vinoobhai.

"I suppose the MCA (Mumbai Cricket Association) and the cricket Board could have utilised his experience and knowledge somewhat better," Wadekar felt.

Borde, another ex-India captain and meat of the middle order in the 1950s and 1960s, remembered his trip to London to play in the English league with Vinoo Mankad and his family members, including then tiny tots Ashok and his brother Atul, in the late 1950s.

"They were the darlings of the passengers on the ship, I remember, when I travelled with Vinoobhai and his family to London to play in the English cricket league. I knew Ashok from those days. It's really shocking that he's no more," Borde said from Pune.

"He was a wonderful cricketer and an asset to youngsters. He was also a good bowler. I remember when we were playing against a team containing Mansur (Ali Khan Pataudi), (ML) Jaisimha, Abbas Ali Baig and Abid Ali in their ranks, in Moin-Ud-Dowla Tournament in Hyderabad, and he took five wickets with his off-breaks," Borde recalled.

"Unfortunately, he could not succeed in Test cricket. The fact that he was converted into an opener could be one of the reasons. He was also a very good captain, a knowledgeable cricketer. I am shocked he has died. Only two days ago I saw him on TV and he looked hale and hearty," he said.