Kapil Dev recently shared his heartfelt thoughts for his former teammate from the Indian cricket team, Anshuman Gaekwad, who is currently battling blood cancer and receiving treatment in London. Dev expressed his hope to catch up over coffee or a drink once Anshuman's health improves.
The former captain of India's World Cup-winning squad offered his support to Anshuman during this tough time, reminiscing about their shared experiences on the field. He fondly recalled moments from their playing days, including their times as captains and specifically mentioned Anshuman's impressive performance, scoring two centuries against Pakistan in Jalandhar. Kapil extended his prayers for Anshuman's recovery, emphasising that he looks forward to their reunion to discuss everything they've missed.
“Hi Anshu, I know you’re going through a challenging phase, but remember that we all face difficulties in life. I treasure the wonderful memories we've created together. I'll forever remember the first time I played under your captaincy and the matches when I captained the team while you excelled. Tough times will eventually pass; I have faith in your fighting spirit. Keep your spirits high and face life with positivity. I wish you a speedy recovery and happiness,” Kapil expressed in a video shared by journalist Vijay Lokapally.
Kapil also called on the BCCI to support Anshuman during this time of need. In response, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced financial aid of Rs 1 crore for Anshuman and reached out to his family to offer assistance during this difficult period.
“We all have our moments, but the beauty of humanity lies in overcoming challenges, much like we do on the cricket field. Whatever happens is destined to happen. I hope we can meet soon and celebrate together. We've shared great times and there’s so much to catch up on, but your priority should be your recovery. I look forward to chatting over coffee or sharing a drink. Take care of yourself; you are beloved by the whole cricket community, and we are all proud of you. Remember not to let us down—take care, Anshu. Love you.”
Additionally, Kapil mentioned his efforts to gather support for Gaekwad, alongside other former cricketers such as Mohinder Amarnath, Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Dilip Vengsarkar, Madan Lal, Ravi Shastri, and Kirti Azad, before the BCCI announced financial assistance.