XtraTime Web Desk: Sad news for all cricket fans as former India opener V.B. Chandrasekhar has breathed his last in Chennai after a cardiac arrest on Thursday. He was 57 years of age.
Chandrasekhar, popularly called VB, is survived by his wife and two daughters.
A hard-hitting opener, he represented India in seven ODIs, with an innings of 53 being his highest score. In 81 first class matches, Chandrasekhar notched up 4999 runs with a highest score of an unbeaten 237 at an average of 43.09. He made 10 centuries.
After his eventful cricketing career, where he was a part of the last Tamil Nadu team to triumph in the Ranji Trophy in 1988 – he later led the State side and then briefly played for Goa – Chandrasekhar focussed on coaching and commentary.
Chandrasekhar coached the Tamil Nadu Ranji team and was associated with the game for a long time.
Significantly, he was the manager of the IPL side Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the first three years and was instrumental in getting World Cup winning skipper M.S. Dhoni to CSK.
He shared a special bond with former India captain Rahul Dravid and spent long hours discussing cricket with the batting legend. “I taught Rahul how to sweep,” he would say with a sparkle in his eyes.
Interestingly, Dravid’s sons visit Chandrasekhar’s state-of-the-art cricket academy in Chennai. “They are very promising. Watch out for them,” he would say.
The multi-faceted Chandrasekhar wore many hats. He was a National selector from 2004 to 2006 and was an exceptional talent spotter.