Vasant Raiji, who was India’s oldest first-class cricketer passed away on Saturday at the age of 100.
He had turned 100 earlier this year and he was a former first-class cricketer and historian.
Former India batsman Sachin Tendulkar condoled Raiji’s demise, saying his passion for playing cricket was endearing.
“I met Shri Vasant Raiji earlier this year to celebrate his 100th birthday. His warmth and passion for playing and watching cricket was endearing. His passing away saddens my heart. My condolences to his family and friends,” Tendulkar tweeted.
I met Shri Vasant Raiji earlier this year to celebrate his 100th birthday. His warmth and passion for playing and watching Cricket was endearing.
His passing away saddens my heart. My condolences to his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/fi8dOP7EnI
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 13, 2020
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh also expressed grief over the demise of Raiji.
“My condolences on the passing away of Shri Vasant Raiji, India’s oldest first-class cricketer. Praying for the family’s strength in this hour of grief,” Yuvraj said in a tweet.
My condolences on the passing away of Shri. Vasant Raiji, India’s oldest first-class cricketer. Praying for the family’s strength in this hour of grief 🙏🏻
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) June 13, 2020
When India played its maiden Test on home soil, Raiji was a 13-year-old kid, but he managed to witness the historic match at the Bombay Gymkhana in 1932.
He later made his first-class debut for Cricket Club of India against Central Provinces and Berar in Nagpur in 1939.
Raiji made his Bombay (now Mumbai) debut in 1941 and opened the innings under the captaincy of Vijay Merchant.
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The match ended in a draw with Bombay securing a first-innings lead. Later in his career, Raiji also played for Baroda. He played 9 first-class matches and scored 277 runs with two fifties.
After his retirement, he joined his family business, but a passion for cricket kept him associated with the sport.
The centenarian was a founding member of the Jolly Cricket Club in Mumbai and wrote books on Ranjitsinhji, Duleepsinhji, Victor Trumper, CK Nayudu an LP Jai.
He also loved collecting books and memorabilia.
(With ANI inputs)