Tributes poured in from different quarters for former Indian cricket team captain Ajit Wadekar, who died in Mumbai on Wednesday. President Ramnath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the mourners as they posted condolence messages for the departed cricketer.

Wadekar, 77, passed away in Mumbai after a prolonged illness.

In his message, Kovind wrote: “Sad at passing of Ajit Wadekar, one of Indian cricket’s finest left-handed batsman and captain during iconic overseas Test victories in 1971 in the Caribbean and in England. Condolences to his family and cricket fraternity (sic)”.

Sad at the passing of Ajit Wadekar, one of Indian cricket’s finest left-handed batsman and captain during the iconic overseas test victories in 1971 in the Caribbean and England. Condolences to his family and to the cricket fraternity #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 15, 2018

READ | Former Indian cricket team captain Ajit Wadekar passes away at 77

Stating that he was “pained by his demise”, the Prime Minister remembered Wadekar’s conmtributions to Indian cricket. “Ajit Wadekar will be remembered for his rich contribution to Indian cricket. A great batsman & wonderful captain, he led our team to some of the most memorable victories in our cricketing history. He was also respected as an effective cricket administrator. Pained by his demise,” Modi tweeted.

Ajit Wadekar will be remembered for his rich contribution to Indian cricket. A great batsman & wonderful captain, he led our team to some of the most memorable victories in our cricketing history. He was also respected as an effective cricket administrator. Pained by his demise.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2018

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Wadekar’s death came as a shock to him.

“We lost a great cricket player, first Indian captain to achieve overseas wins, aggressive batsman and an all-rounder. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans!” he said.

Shocked to hear about the demise of Former Captain of the Indian Cricket Team Shri Ajit Wadekar!
We lost a great cricket player, first Indian captain to achieve overseas wins, aggressive batsman and an all rounder.
My deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans! pic.twitter.com/IENDsoEmfe

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) August 15, 2018

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) too remembered Wadekar’s contribution to the game not just as a player but also as a team manager and selector.

“With heavy heart, we bid adieu to Ajit Wadekar. The former India captain is no more. Cricketer, coach, manager and chairman of selectors, Mr Wadekar served Indian cricket in many different ways,” read a tweet on the Board’s official handle.

With a heavy heart we bid adieu to Ajit Wadekar. The former India captain is no more. Cricketer, Coach, Manager and Chairman of Selectors – Mr Wadekar served Indian cricket in many different ways. pic.twitter.com/6zdFtleXB9

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 15, 2018

India’s head coach Ravi Shastri too expressed grief.

“Sad moment for Indian cricket to lose one of its most successful captains. Shrewd to the core. Condolences to the entire family #TeamIndia #RIPAjitWadekar,” wrote Shastri, who played his last series as India player (in South Africa) under Wadekar as the manager. It was Wadekar’s first series as the manager.

Sad moment for Indian cricket to lose one of its most successful captains. Shrewd to the core. Condolences to the entire family #TeamIndia #RIPAjitWadekar pic.twitter.com/0xC0fv3Ark

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) August 15, 2018

Wadekar played 37 Tests and 2 ODIs for India and scored 2,113 runs. He is best remembered for leading India to win the first Test series in England and the West Indies in 1971.