Published: May 23, 2014, 10:13 AM (IST)
Edited: May 23, 2014, 03:05 PM (IST)
May 23, 2014
The BCCI on Friday offered its condolences on his demise of India’s oldest Test cricketer Madhav Mantri, who was the maternal uncle of former captain and legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar.
“Mr. Madhav Mantri’s demise is a big loss to Indian cricket. A wicketkeeper-batsman, he represented India and Mumbai with distinction. He was a member of the national selection committee from 1964 to 1968, and served the BCCI as Treasurer from 1990 to 1992,” BCCI Secretary Sanjay Patel said in a statement.
“He was Manager of the Indian team that toured England in 1990. Indian cricket will be indebted to him. Several cricketers, from Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin Tendulkar, had the privilege of being guided by him in their formative years. On behalf of the BCCI, I express my condolences to his family and admirers. May his soul rest in peace,” he added
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Born on September 1, 1921, Mantri was a multifaceted cricketer and administrator. He performed a number of roles throughout his career which saw him being an opening batsman and wicket-keeper, national selector, India team manager, and Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) president from 1988 to 1992. At the time of his death, he was the fourth oldest living cricketer in the world and the oldest living Indian cricketer.
Mantri played four Tests for India between 1951 and 1955. With 2787 runs at an average of 50.67, Mantri’s Ranji Trophy career was a celebrated one. Mantri was the maternal uncle of Sunil Gavaskar — who credits much of his success to the discipline and focus taught to him by Mantri.
(With inputs from PTI)
