Former India opener Madhav Apte passes away at 86
Former Indian opener and Mumbai captain Madhav Apte passed away on Monday morning (23rd September) at Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai. He was 86-year old and was suffering from age-related illness. Apte represented the nation in seven Test matches as an opener and had an extensive career in first-class cricket. He played his last Test match in 1953, after which he was mysteriously dropped.
The brief international career
Apte began as a leg spinner under the watchful eyes of his mentor, Vinoo Mankad. The great Indian all-rounder turned Apte from a spinner to an opening batsman. The batsman many times stated that just watching Vijay Merchant practice in the nets would be a part of his training.
In the times when finding a place in the Bombay Ranji side was extremely difficult, Apte made the most of his maiden opportunity. In his debut first-class match against Saurashtra, Apte struck a century and sealed his place as an opener. He was soon fast-tracked into the national team. His debut Test was against Pakistan at the Brabourne Stadium in November 1952.
The selectors persisted with Apte for the following Caribbean tour as well. There the opener scored three fifties on the trot and later celebrated a 163 not out at Port of Spain. Apte once shared that when he was batting on 99, opposition captain Frank Worrell told him to keep calm and complete the milestone. The West Indies tour proved to be Apte’s last as he was never picked again. In total, he played seven Tests with a tally 542 runs.
In domestic cricket
Apte enjoyed a longer reign in first-class cricket. He also turned out for Bengal in one season but he remained a mainstay of the Bombay side. The stalwart amassed 3,336 runs from 67 matches, including six centuries and 16 half-centuries. After retiring from first-class cricket, he turned up in club cricket till he was 71. In 1989, he became the president of the Cricket Club of India (CCI) and awarded Sachin Tendulkar playing membership. Apte was a great story-teller and was full of cricketing anecdotes.
I am in mourning at the passing of Shri Madhav Apte. Deep, genuine cricket lover, quality batsman himself (7 tests at an avg of 49.3), and a classy, dignified human being. From an era where love for the game was unconditional. Wonderful host, great story-teller.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) September 23, 2019
Madhav Apte had a bag of stories. From Vinoo Mankad to his buddy Subhya Fergie Gupte. To listen to him was rewinding cricket history. Dignified affable yet accessible as a senior. Passing Peddar Road and Woodland Apartments each time will bring back memories with a smile! #RIP
— shishir hattangadi (@shishhattangadi) September 23, 2019
At a loss of words, hearing about the passing away of Madhav Apte Sir.
I knew him as a kid and looked up to him for advice. He always motivated me and pushed me to do well.
Both me and my father had the privilege of playing cricket with him.
May your soul Rest in Peace Sir!? pic.twitter.com/Z77PL9sFDu— VINOD KAMBLI (@vinodkambli349) September 23, 2019
