Aunshuman Gaekwad, ex-Baroda captains honored at Kotambi Stadium before season-opener against Mumbai

The new hone venue for Baroda, the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, saw four of its former captains who passed away recently being commemorated by the Baroda Cricket Association, just before the commencement of their Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season-opener against Mumbai. 

Families of D.K. Gaekwad (former India captain who passed away in February 2024), his son Aunshuman Gaekwad (former India batter and coach, July 2024), Narayan Satham (erstwhile Baroda captain, February 2022) and Cecil Williams (former Baroda and Railways coach, April 2021) were presented with a memento in a small but heart-warming token of appreciation for what these individuals had achieved for Baroda cricket over the years.

The president of the BCA, Pranav Amin, explained the deeper significance of the planting of saplings on the premises of the near-complete Vadodara International Cricket Stadium.

“As we move into a new era with the new stadium on the verge of completion, this is an attempt to acknowledge the contribution of some of BCA’s stalwarts who are no longer with us. Planting a sapling will not only ensure their legacy living forever, but Baroda cricket can also continue to flourish in their shadow,” stated Amin, as quoted by Sportstar.

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Patel, Sheth combine to steer Baroda towards calmer waters

Coming to the game which commenced shortly after the event, Baroda found themselves in a precarious situation with half the side in the shed for a score of merely 90, after the Krunal Pandya-led side opted to bat first on winning the toss.

Every player other than Shivalik Sharma got starts, but not one batter was able to convert them into a knock of adequate substance. Atit Sheth joined Mitesh Patel in the middle and slowly but surely navigated the hosts to a much more respectable position. Patel was looking all set to get to his second first-class ton when he was caught by Rahane off Mulani.

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Baroda are 241/6 at Stumps and the duo of Sheth and 19-year-old Raj Limbani would look to carry on the good work and add crucial runs in the morning session of the second day. Mulani and Tanush Kotian grabbed two each in what could be labelled as a day going in the name of the Mumbai bowlers.