[Representational photo] - Madhav Apte had played seven Tests for India. © Getty

Former India Test opener Madhav Apte, aged 86, passed away at the Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai on Monday morning.

Apte played seven Tests for India in the early 1950s, five of which came in and against West Indies. Among the 542 runs (at an average of 49.27) that he finished his Test career with, there were two fine centuries (a highest score of 163) in the two Port-of-Spain matches - against a bowling attack that had Frank King, Gerry Gomez, Frank Worrell, Alf Valentine and Sonny Ramadhin. Despite such a successful series in West Indies, Apte was never picked to play for India again.

Hailing from Mumbai, Apte featured in 67 first class matches (three of them for Bengal) and was a product of the strong age-group system in the city - rising through notable performances in school tournaments like Giles Shield as well as University-level tournaments.

Apte also served as the president of the famous Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai. During his tenure, he is said to have played a key role in a significant decision taken at the club in the 1987-88 - tweaking the strict age-limit rules at the club to accommodate a 15-year-old Sachin Tendulkar to represent the club as a player.

Unsurprisingly, tributes poured from all quarters on Twitter for the batting giant from Mumbai:

Yusuf PathanYusuf Pathan
@IamyusufpathanFollowSaddened to hear the passing away of Shri Madhav Apte. He was one of the finest batsmen for India and Bombay. Condolences to his family members, friends and closed ones. #RIP
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Clayton J MurzelloClayton J Murzello
@ClaytonMurzelloFollowDid you know by CJM: The just-expired Madhav Apte opened India’s innings against Pakistan at the Brabourne Stadium in 1952 with his college coach Vinod Mankad as his partner.
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Amol MuzumdarAmol Muzumdar
@amolmuzumdar11FollowSad news indeed about Madhav Apte Sir. Shared many memories with him. Another of the golden generation of Mumbai Giants, passes away. May his soul rest in peace. 🙏 Om Shanti
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Harsha BhogleHarsha Bhogle
@bhogleharshaFollowI am in mourning at the passing of Shri Madhav Apte. Deep, genuine cricket lover, quality batsman himself (7 tests at an avg of 49.3), and a classy, dignified human being. From an era where love for the game was unconditional. Wonderful host, great story-teller.
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Mohandas MenonMohandas Menon
@mohanstatsmanFollowHighest batting average as an Indian Test opener Min 500 runs 56.75 - Vijay Merchant 50.29 - Sunil Gavaskar 50.14 - Virender Sehwag 49.27 - Madhav Apte 44.04 - Ravi Shastri
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Mohammad KaifMohammad Kaif
@MohammadKaifFollowSaddened to hear about the demise of Madhav Apte ji. Great story teller and played cricket till he was 71. My thoughts and prayers with his family.
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