Dattaji Rao Gaekwad (English: Dattaji Rao Gaekwad, born- 27 October, 1928; died- 13 February, 2024) was an Indian cricketer. He played a total of 11 test matches for the country between 1952 and 1961. His son Anshuman Gaikwad, who played for Baroda, also played 40 Test matches for India. Dattaji Rao Gaekwad had an eye for talent and discovered many cricketers who played for Baroda. He played his last Test against Pakistan in 1961. Scored 3139 runs for Baroda in Ranji at an average of 47.56, which included 14 centuries.
IntroductionDattaji Rao Gaekwad was born on October 27, 1928 in Baroda (undivided India). The former India cricketer has represented the country in 11 Test matches in a career spanning almost nine years. Primarily a batsman, Dattajirao could also bowl medium pace and leg spin during his playing days. He scored 350 runs in 20 innings for the Indian team, which also included a half-century. Dattajirao spent most of his career playing at the domestic level. The right-handed batsman played 110 first-class matches and scored 5788 runs at an average of 36.40.
Against West Indies in 1958 at Ferozeshah Kotla ground, Dattaji Rao Gaekwad had scored 52 runs facing bowlers like Wes Hall and Gilchrist but his innings got buried in front of Chandu Borde’s 109 and 96 runs. In first-class cricket, he scored 5,788 runs in 110 matches at an average of 36.40, which included 17 centuries. Dattaji Rao Gaekwad also won Baroda’s first Ranji title in 1957-58 under his captaincy.
Dattaji Rao Gaekwad was the captain of the Indian team during the England tour of 1959, in which India had to face defeat in all five Tests. Dattaji Rao Gaekwad was the captain in four of these five Test matches. The bowling of pacers Trueman and Bedser on the uncovered wicket had scattered the Indian batting. Dattaji Rao Gaekwad scored 350 runs in 11 test matches at an average of 18.42. 52 runs was his best score. The last Test was played against Pakistan in 1961. Scored 3139 runs for Baroda in Ranji at an average of 47.56, which included 14 centuries.
Dattaji Rao Gaekwad always remained under the shadow of teammate Vijay Hazare. Dattaji Rao Gaekwad was known for his cover drives, but he did not get the prominence he deserved in front of Vijay Hazare’s versatile playing talent.
Death Dattaji Rao Gaekwad died on 13 February 2024 in Baroda, Gujarat. Dattaji Rao Gaekwad was the oldest cricketer in the country after the death of Deepak Shodhan in 2016. After his death, C.D. Gopinath, who played 8 Test matches, remains the oldest cricketer in the country.