Vasant Raiji- India’s Oldest First Class Cricketer passes away

Vasant Raiji- The Oldest Living First Class Cricketer of India passes away at the age of 100. Vasant Raiji leaves behind a legacy of cricketing wisdom and memories. Raiji’s son-in-law confirmed that former cricketer died to old-age.

“He (Raiji) passed away at 2.20 am in his sleep at his residence in Walkeshwar in South Mumbai due to old-age,” his son-in-law Sudarshan Nanavati told PTI.

We were fortunate to recieve his blessings & interview him on his 100th birthday which was probably one of his last elaborate interviews. Vasant Raiji in his heydays represented Mumbai as well as Baroda in first class cricket. He also played 2 seasons of County Club Cricket overseas. Apart from being a cricketer, Raiji has also penned down books on many cricketers like Vijay Hazare, Victor Trumper, CK Nayadu amongst others.

The prestigious tournaments which today’s generation play in the name of Mushtaq Ali, Vinoo Mankad, Col CK Nayadu Trophy, Vijay Merchant Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, he has seen as well as played with all those legendary players in whose name we are playing state level tournaments. He shares stories about them and how they were as players.

From sharing 7 letters with Sir DON BRADMAN to giving us rare insights into how Test Cricket was awarded to India to enlightening us with the all time greats of Indian Cricket which we have never seen. Vasant Raiji was truly a gold well of Cricketing knowledge.

If you wish to hear him in probably what was the last interview of his life which he conducted with Cricketgraph, checkout the Youtube interview above.