Aunshuman Gaekwad and former Baroda captains honored at Kotambi Stadium before season opener vs Mumbai

The families of former India captain D.K. Gaekwad (deceased in February 2024), his son Aunshuman Gaekwad (former India batter and coach, July 2024)

Just before the start of Baroda’s Ranji Trophy 2024–25 season opener against Mumbai, the Baroda Cricket Association paid tribute to four of its past captains who had just gone away at the team’s new home stadium, Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.

former Baroda captain Narayan Satham (deceased in February 2022), and former Baroda and Railways coach Cecil Williams (deceased in April 2021) were each given a memento as a small but heartfelt gesture of gratitude for all that these people had done for Baroda cricket over the years.

The #RanjiTrophy begins with the Baroda Cricket Association honouring four of its captains who passed away recently. BCA honoured families of DK Gaewkwad, Cecil Williams, Narayan Satham and Aunshuman Gaekwad with a memento in the presence of Baroda and Mumbai teams.

The family… pic.twitter.com/kpZRoNIk2C

— Amol Karhadkar (@karhacter) October 11, 2024

The BCA president, Pranav Amin, elucidated the deeper meaning of the planting of seedlings on the site of the almost finished Vadodara International Cricket Stadium.

This is an effort to honor the contributions of some of the BCA’s founding members who are no longer with us as we enter a new age and the new stadium is almost finished. “By planting a sapling, you can ensure that their legacy endures forever and allow the Baroda cricket to thrive in their shadow,” said Amin, as cited.

Together, Patel and Sheth guide Baroda toward calmer waters.

In the match that followed, which saw the Krunal Pandya-led team elect to bat first after winning the toss, Baroda was left in a vulnerable position with only half of the team in the shed for a meagre total of ninety.

Except for Shivalik Sharma, every player received a start, but not a single batter was able to turn them into a knock of sufficient quality. Mitesh Patel was joined by Atit Sheth in the midst, and she gradually moved the hosts to a far more respectable position. When Rahane caught Patel off Mulani, he appeared to be headed for his second first-class century.

Also Read: Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Round 1, Day 1 Review

In the morning session of the second day, Sheth and Raj Limbani, who is 19 years old, will try to continue their outstanding work and add some important runs for Baroda, who are currently 241/6 at Stumps. In what could be called a day going well for the Mumbai bowlers, Mulani and Tanush Kotian each claimed two wickets.