Remembering the 'Vivian Richards of Mumbai': Anil Gurav's Untold Story

Anil Gurav, affectionately known as the 'Vivian Richards of Mumbai', has passed away at his Nalasopara residence. A former protégé of the late Ramakant Achrekar, Gurav was renowned for his batting skills but never made it to the senior level, overshadowed by personal choices.

Nadim Memon, a veteran curator and Mumbai Cricket Association councillor, reminisced about Gurav's prowess in the nets, where he was watched by legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli. Despite being a favorite of Achrekar, Gurav's potential was unrealized beyond the U-19 cricket levels and club cricket.

Gurav faced hardships due to his brother's illicit activities and succumbed to alcoholism, which drifted him away from the game he loved. His contribution to cricket includes lending Sachin Tendulkar a bat, with which Tendulkar scored his first competitive century.