Former Kerala captain and BCCI selector K Jayaram passes away due to cardiac arrest

The former skipper of Kerala state in the Ranji Trophy, K Jayaram passed away due to a cardiac arrest on Saturday. He was aged 67. Speaking of this cricketing journey, he led Kerala from 1981 to 1983. The prolific batter was at his best during the 1985-86 season of the Ranji Trophy. As a result, he was the first player from Kerala, who almost forced the-then Indian selectors to consider him to play at the international level for India.

Jayaram represented Kerala in 46 matches in the coveted Ranji Trophy and during a brief span of his domestic career. The right-handed batter amassed 2,358 runs and averaged 29.47. Speaking of his First-Class career, Jayaram scored 10 half-centuries and five hundreds. Moreover, as a handy part-time spinner, he picked up two wickets. He was deemed one of the finest batters of Kerala back in the day.

The Ernakulam-born also represented South Zone in the coveted Duleep Trophy. In the 1980s, he rose to the occasion and became a star player at the national level. During the 1986-87 season of the Ranji Trophy, Jayaram went on to score four centuries from five appearances. Besides, he also played different roles with the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Notably, Jayaram was a former national selector at the junior level. He also served as the chief selector of the senior teams of Kerala for some years.

It is worth mentioning that during his dream season at Ranji Trophy, some key players of Indian teams were at the receiving end of his batting carnage. In the same vein, the former India cricketer and the present BCCI President, Roger Binny. Reflecting on his cricketing prowess Binny said that Jayaram was extremely talented and an even better human being. He also mentioned that during his playing days, he was a class apart as not many players from Kerala were of his calibre. Furthermore, the former world champion also mentioned that K Jayaram had a keen eye for recognizing talent while he served as the selector.

"Kerala didn't have many cricketing talents in those days. But Jayaraman was different.  He was an extremely good cricketer and an even better individual. He was a very friendly man and had an eye for talent as a selector. I just learnt about his demise, and I offer my deepest condolences to his family," the BCCI President was quoted as saying by TOI.

The appreciation I received from Gundappa Viswanath is one of the most cherished moments of my career: Jayaram

Interestingly enough, while interacting with the above-mentioned media publication, K Jayaram once revealed the best moment of his illustrious career. Recalling his knock against Karnataka, he had revealed that the legendary Gundappa Viswanath had complimented him for his terrific century.

"I think the century against Karnataka was my best. The appreciation I received from Gundappa Viswanath soon after my ton is one of the most cherished moments of my playing career."

Apart from his managerial roles, K Jayaram went on to officiate as a match referee and a top council member of the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA). His cremation will take place at the Ravipuram crematorium on Monday, July 17. Jayaram is survived by his son, Abhay, and wife, Rama.