India’s Oldest First-Class Cricketer, Dies At 100:
Vasant Raiji, the oldest first-class cricketer in India at 100, died early Saturday hours. Raiji was 100, and his wife and two daughters survive.”He (Raiji) passed away at 2.20 am due to old age in his sleep at his home in Walkeshwar in South Mumbai,” Sudarshan Nanavati, his son-in-law told a leading media house. Raiji, a right-hand batsman, played nine first-class matches in the 1940s, scoring 277 runs, his highest score being 68.
He made his debut for an Indian Cricket Club team in Nagpur in 1939, which defeated Central Provinces and Berar. His Mumbai debut came in 1941, when the team was playing West India under Vijay Merchant ‘s leadership.
Ex Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar and the Indian Cricket Control Board paid tribute to Raiji on Twitter.
Look At The Tweet Of Sachin Tendulkar:
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
Look At The Tweet Of BCCI:
BCCI mourns the sad demise of Vasant Raiji. The former first-class cricketer and historian, who turned 100 this year in January, passed away in his sleep.https://t.co/0ywSprK93o pic.twitter.com/Z44gmP76X7
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 13, 2020
Raiji, was also cricket historian and chartered accountant, was only 13 at Bombay Gymkhana in South Mumbai when India played its first test match.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and former Australian skipper Steve Waugh earlier paid a courtesy visit to Raiji when he turned 100 at his residence in January.
The cremation will take place on Saturday afternoon at the Chandanwadi crematorium in South Mumbai.
