Madhav Apte, Veteran Indian Cricket Team Batsman, Dies At 86

Veteran cricketer Madhav Apte died after suffering a cardiac arrest in Mumbai on Monday morning, a family member said. He was 86. The former India and Mumbai opener was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital where he breathed his last at 6.09 am, his son Vaman Apte told PTI. Madhav Apte played seven Tests in which he scored 542 runs, with a lone hundred and three fifties to his credit. His highest score was 163 not out. He had a much better first class record where he scored 3,336 runs from 67 matches, including six hundreds and 16 fifties. His highest first class score was 165 not out. He made his Test debut against Pakistan at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai in November 1952 and played his last test against West Indies at Kingston in April 1953.

In his debut Test, he made 30 and 10 not out, respectively. He was the first Indian opener to aggregate over 400 runs in a Test series (460 runs against West Indies in 1953). He also captained Mumbai in domestic cricket. Madhav Apte was assigned as the opening batsman by legendary Vinoo Mankad.

He played along with several legendary cricketers, including Mankad, Polly Umrigar, Vijay Hazare and Rusi Modi. He earlier also served as president of the iconic CCI, an official said. Till his last breath, he was president of the 'LegendsClub', a group formed to celebrate the achievements of different sportspersons.

 Former Mumbai cricketer Shishir Hattangadi took to Twitter to offer his condolences. "Another institution of Bombay and Mumbai Cricket comes to an end. RIP Madhav Rao Apte. Will treasure those long discussions with you cricket from your days!" he tweeted. "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 senior. Passing Pedder Road and Woodland Apartments each time will bring back memories with a smile.#RIP, Hattangadi said in another tweet.

Several cricketers and journalists took to Twitter to express their sadness at the demise of Apte. 

He had a test average touching 50 despite not getting enough opportunities. Played active cricket till he was 71. A legend of Mumbai and Indian cricket passed away today. You will be missed Madhav Apte sir. #MadhavApte #rip pic.twitter.com/cDoOTXBQWm

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) 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!ðŸ™Â pic.twitter.com/Z77PL9sFDu

— VINOD KAMBLI (@vinodkambli349) September 23, 2019

Of all the many wonderful stories of Indian cricket that Madhav Apte shared, will not forget his recollection of travelling to the West Indies in 1951-52 in a banana boat! The players were seated/slept between banana baskets! Today’s privileged players must be told of the past!

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) September 23, 2019

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