Madhav Mantri — the oldest living Indian Test cricketer — passes away

Mumbai, May 23: Madhav Mantri, who was India’s oldest living Test cricketer at 92 years and 244 days, passed away of a heart attack at Leelavati Hospital on Friday morning.

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.