His Test career stretched from 1952 to 1961, but in this time DK Gaekwad played in only 11 Tests. He was a sound batsman who had a good defence and could drive well, and he was also a splendid versatile fielder. But Gaekwad could never command a place in the Indian middle order, although it was as an opening batsman that he made his debut in England in 1952. He provided middle-order solidity whenever he got a chance, on the tours of West Indies in 1953 and England in 1959 and at home against Pakistan in 1952-53 and West Indies in 1958-59. But the fact that he was more out of the team than in did little for his confidence. He captained the Indian team which toured England in 1959, but he lacked the drive and verve to be a really dynamic leader. The side lost all five Tests and fared badly even in the first class games, although Gaekwad himself batted courageously scoring 1174 runs (34.52) on the tour. He did little in the Tests however. His highest score was 52 against West Indies at New Delhi in 1959 and his overall Test record was disappointing. In the Ranji Trophy, however, Gaekwad was a pillar of strength to Baroda for whom he played from 1947 to 1961. He scored 3139 runs (47.56) including 14 centuries. His highest score was 249 not out against Maharashtra in 1959-60. He also hit two other double centuries and in 1949-50, hit 128 and 101 not out against Gujarat. He is the father of Anshuman Gaekwad. Partab Ramchand October 2004

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