BCCI condoles sad demise of former Test opener Madhav Apte

Apte finished with 67 first-class games with 3336 runs at an average of 38.79 that included six centuries and sixteen half centuries.

Image Credits: Twitter/@MohammadKaif

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has condoles the sad demise of former India opener Madhav Apte, who passed away at the age of 86 in Mumbai on Monday.

"He will remain one of the most loved cricketers and the BCCI extends its deepest condolences to his family and friends in this hour of grief," the BCCI said in a condolence message for Apte. 

Apte played seven Tests for India, five of which were against West Indies at home. In his seven Tests, he scored 542 runs at an outstanding average of 49.27. He hit three half centuries and one century that came against West Indies in Port of Spain wherein he scored 163*. It was his highest Test score. Post the 1953 series against West Indies, he did not feature in any more games for India.

Apte continued to be a dominant force in first-class cricket playing for Mumbai both as a batsman and captain remaining as interested and drawn towards the game as always. He finished with 67 first-class games with 3336 runs at an average of 38.79 that included six centuries and sixteen half centuries.   

Post retirement, he donned the hat of president of Cricket Club of India in Mumbai and was instrumental in bringing in a 14-year old Sachin Tendulkar into the CCI side then. Off the field, he was often known for his unconditional love and support for the game and his tales of yore that got the attention of many former and current players.