Former India batsman Ashok Mankad [Images] passed away in Mumbai on Friday morning, at the age of 61. He is reported to have died in his sleep.

Son of cricket legend Mulvantrai Himatial 'Vinoo' Mankad, Ashok was a decent right hand batsman, with a good range of strokes and sound temperament, allied to a cheerful disposition.

A right-handed batsman, he played 22 Tests between 1969 and 1978, scoring 991 runs, and a solitary ODI.

During his playing days led Mumbai to back to back Ranji Trophy wins in 1974-'75 and 1975-'76.

In his own way -- as player, as administrator, as national coach - a job he held for precisely ten days - he did his bit for the game.

Mankad is survived by his wife Nirupama, a former Asian tennis champion, and two sons-- Mihir and Harsh, who is a member of India Davis Cup team since 2000.

Mihir and Harsh are in New Delhi [Images] and will be arriving for the funeral in an hour.

Photograph: Arun Patil