Just a few days ago, Ashok Mankad had called asking if i would write in the news papers about a TV channel not keeping its promise of paying hi for some work he had done. Ashok Mulantrai Mankad, the former India opening batsman and Mumbai skipper, passed away suddenly in his sleep at his Worli residence on Friday.

Mankad was 61 and is survived by brothers (Atul and Rahul), wife Nirupama (a former Asian tennis champion) and tennis playing sons(mihir and Hars, a Devis couple).

Mankad's Figures:
Test: 22 (42 Innings), 991 runs,
Highest: 97
Average: 25.41
50s: 6
ODIs: 1, scored 44 runs