Garry Sobers Dies At 89, Inside The Former West Indies Captain's Relationship With Anju Mahendru

West Indies cricket legend Garry Sobers dies at the age of 89. Amid this, here's a look at Garry's relationship and short-lived engagement with Indian model and actress Anju Mahendru.

Tags: Garry Sobers Garry Sobers death Sir Garfield Sobers Garry Sobers and Anju Mahendru Anju Mahendru

By Avispita Saha Published: Jul 18, 2026 • Updated: Jul 18, 2026 | 01:47:25 IST

Garry Sobers Dies At 89, Inside The Former West Indies Captain's Relationship With Anju Mahendru

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In a piece of unfortunate news, it has been revealed that cricket legend Garfield “Garry” Sobers has passed away. According to reports, he took his last breath at the age of 89. Making the news even more tragic, the all-rounder reportedly died just two weeks before his 90th birthday. Now, amid his death, many have grown curious about Garry’s relationship with Indian actress and model Anju Mahendru.

Garry Sobers was engaged to Anju Mahendru

According to reports, Anju Mahendru met the former West Indies cricket captain Garry during the 1966-67 tour of India. At the time, the team was visiting Bombay for matches. The duo’s initial connection formed through social circles at a party and their shared interest in dancing. It did not take long for their relationship to progress, and in early January 1967, they announced their engagement.

Reportedly, the 30-year-old Garry at the time even met with Anju’s family at a Bombay hotel shortly after he arrived from a match in Calcutta. With Garry being a global cricket icon and Anju, an aspiring Indian model who was just 20 years old, the interracial nature of their romance drew significant media attention. After a whirlwind romance, their engagement came to an end in less than a year and ended without marriage.

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Reports stated that their decision to call it quits stemmed primarily from the challenges they faced due to their long-distance separation. Garry was bound to his international cricket commitments, while Anju Mahendru was bound to her emerging opportunities in Bombay’s entertainment scene. However, it is widely believed that Anju had ended the engagement following an argument with her boyfriend, Rajesh Khanna. It is allegedly from his house that Anju phoned Garry Sobers to put an end to it because of Rajesh's jealousy over the matter.

Garry Sobers’ death

Cricket West Indies was the first to announce that Garry Sobers had passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026. For those unaware, Harry made his first-class debut for Barbados at the age of 16 in 1953. In the very next year, he got the opportunity to play his first match with the West Indies. He went on to play for the team for 20 years, making both his first and last Test appearances in 1954 and 1974, respectively, against England. In the statement posted to their X (formerly Twitter) account, Cricket West Indies wrote:

“A great innings has come to an end. In our hearts, now and forever, Sir Garfield Sobers.”

Kishore Shallow, the president of Cricket West Indies, described Garry as “a son of Barbados whose extraordinary journey became part of the story of our region and whose brilliance carried the name of the West Indies with distinction across the world.” Kishore added:

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"There are moments in the story of a people when the life of one individual becomes woven into the hopes, dreams, and identity of generations. Today, the Caribbean mourns the passing of such an individual. His mastery of batting, bowling and fielding was unparalleled, but his true significance reached far beyond the boundary ropes.”

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As soon as the news of Garry Sobers’ death broke, his fans took to social media to share their tributes. One user wrote, “Cricket has lost one of its brightest stars..Garfield Sobers’ name will forever stand among the greatest to have ever played the game. His influence transcended nations, inspiring countless players and fans around the world. Gone, but never forgotten.”

Another user wrote, "The greatest all-rounder was what the cricket fraternity used to call him. And he earned that badge by playing like one. Rest in Peace, Sir Garfield Sobers.” A fan penned, “GOAT all-rounder, no debate. Sir Garfield Sobers - you changed the game forever. May your soul rest in peace. #RIPLegend.”

Rest in peace, Garry Sobers.