Former India [ Images ] batsman Ashok Mankad [ Images ] passed away in Mumbai [ Images ] on Friday morning, at the age of 61. He is reported to have died in his sleep.

Son of cricket legend Mulvantrai Himatial 'Vinoo' Mankad, Ashok was a decent right hand batsman, with a good range of strokes and sound temperament, allied to a cheerful disposition.

A right-handed batsman, he played 22 Tests between 1969 and 1978, scoring 991 runs, and a solitary ODI.

During his playing days led Mumbai to back to back Ranji Trophy wins in 1974-'75 and 1975-'76.

In his own way -- as player, as administrator, as national coach - a job he held for precisely ten days - he did his bit for the game.

Mankad is survived by his wife Nirupama, a former Asian tennis champion, and two sons-- Mihir and Harsh, who is a member of India Davis Cup team since 2000.

Mihir and Harsh are in New Delhi [ Images ] and will be arriving for the funeral in an hour.

Photograph: Arun Patil