Former Mumbai cricketer Vasu Paranjpe died on Monday (August 30) at the age of 82. Paranjpe played 29 first-class matches for Mumbai and Baroda in his career from 1956 to 1970. A time when all Ranji Trophy titles were shared. Mumbai won 12 times between the two teams.

Coach Vasu Paranjpe held a mirror to players ranging from Sunil Gavaskar to Rohit Sharma and made them understand their game better. Cricket is split into binaries — runs and wickets or triumphs and defeats. But the game, harking back to shepherds hitting a ball with a log in ancient Britain, has infinite layers. Among its charms is the former cricketer, who turns mentor blending zest and grandfatherly warmth.

He Mentored and Coached Prominent Cricketers Like Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar and Rohit Sharma:

In his first-class career, Vasu Paranjpe scored 785 runs at an average of 23.78 and took nine wickets. But more importantly, he mentored and coached many other prominent cricketers to emerge from the city including Sunil Gavaskar, Dilip Vengsarkar and Rohit Sharma. among others.

Vasu Paranjpe’s Influence at the International Level was up to Ed Smith:

Known for his leadership skills and sharp sense of humour. His influence also reached players from other parts of the country. Like Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh, and even Ed Smith at the international level.

Vasu Paranjpe Represented the Star-Studded Dadar Union:

He was one of the most prominent players in Mumbai’s local cricket, representing the star-studded Dadar Union – one of the city’s strongest sides during his playing days.

Over the years, he went on to coach and manage several national youth teams apart from serving as a coach at the National Cricket Academy. Vasu Paranjpe‘s son, Jatin Paranjpe, went on to play for India and even served as a national selector.

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