Cricketing world mourns the sudden demise of former Indian cricketer VB Chandrasekhar

A piece of shocking news hit the cricketing world late on Thursday. Former Indian opener, VB Chandrasekhar, passed away in Chennai. Popularly called VB in the Tamil Nadu cricket circles, Chandrasekhar was 57 years old and is survived by his wife and two daughters. In five days time, he would have turned 58 and this news has actually stunned one and all.

Born on 21st August 1961, VB represented India in 7 ODIs after some terrific domestic performances. However, he couldn’t really create his mark at the highest level. He scored 88 runs at an average of 12.57 and strike rate of 54.32. VB Chandrasekhar also hit a half-century during his stint with the Indian team and his highest ODI score is 53. He played his first game against New Zealand in 1988 and his last against Australia in 1990.

However, he was great in first-class cricket. In the 81 games that he played, he notched up 4999 runs at an average of 43.09 and this included 10 centuries as well. He was a part of Tamil Nadu’s Ranji triumph in 1988 and then also led the Goa team for a brief while. In the later stages of his career, he focussed more on commentary and coaching.

Taught Rahul Dravid how to sweep

VB Chandrasekhar has got an excellent relationship with former Indian captain Rahul Dravid. He has spent long hours discussing the game with the maestro and “I taught Rahul how to sweep,” he proclaims proudly. Moreover, he had a great time as the television commentator as well and is known for his sharp wit.

VB Chandrasekhar served as the manager for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the first three seasons. He was instrumental in helping the franchise get MS Dhoni and the rest, obviously, is history. Over the years, he served the sport in various capacities and always gave his best.

He was one of the national selectors between 2004 and 2006. VB Chandrasekhar is known to be an excellent talent hunter. In the Irani Trophy 1988-89, he put up on display his aggressive best. VB Chandrasekhar scored a century in just 56 balls which was the fastest first-class hundred by an Indian back then. Furthermore, he also owns the TNPL franchise, VB Kanchi Veerans.

Here is how the cricketing world reacted to his demise:

Very sad to hear of the passing away of VB Chandrasekhar. Have fond memories of him. My condolences to his family. 🙏🏻

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 16, 2019

Very sad to hear the news of VB Chanderasekar passing away. He was supposed to work the @TNPremierLeague final tonight. Sad times at Chepauk this evening

— Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) August 15, 2019

BCCI regrets to inform that former India opener VB Chandrasekhar is no more. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and his fans.

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 15, 2019

Devastated to hear that VB Chandrasekhar has passed away. I remember him in the first ever IPL auction in 2008, raising the paddle to the unheard sum of $ 1.5 million dollars to bring MS Dhoni to CSK.
He will be missed.

— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) August 15, 2019

Terrible news…VB…too soon. Shocking! Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 15, 2019

Extremely sad & shocked to hear about the passing away of VB Chandrasekhar sir. His consistent efforts made it possible to set the right foundation of the CSK team. He always encouraged & believed in us since very beginning. My deepest condolences to the family. pic.twitter.com/g2mtq8wRos

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) August 15, 2019

Former India cricketer V.B. Chandrasekhar passes away – Sportstar (RIP VB..our heartfelt condolences to the Family..A lively character VB was a good Cricket conversationist..GodBless his Soul..!) https://t.co/dho5DPXFXL

— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) August 15, 2019

Shocked to hear about the untimely demise of V B Chandrasekhar. Was only 57. Went away too soon. Thoughts with the family….heartfelt condolences. R.I.P.

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) August 15, 2019

Absolutely shattered and heart broken to hear the passing of VB Chandrashekhar.
You will be missed VB
🙏🙏

— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) August 15, 2019

SHocked and saddened to hear about VB Chandrasekhar’s sad demise. He was a gem who contributed to the game with distinction in various roles. Affable, kind, patient and persistent. Gone too early. Will miss him. #RIPVB

— Anirudh Chaudhry (@AnirudhChaudhry) August 15, 2019

#RIP #VBChandrasekhar pic.twitter.com/1WLeU6KAvx

— subramani badrinath (@s_badrinath) August 16, 2019

Sad day and a big loss to the cricket family. Rest In Peace VB. https://t.co/4KSlDduA9V

— Stephen Fleming (@SPFleming7) August 16, 2019

Sad and shocking news..deepest condolences to the https://t.co/mYNF4Ket5C #VBChandrasekhar

— Ajit Agarkar (@imAagarkar) August 16, 2019

Shocked to hear the news of the passing of former Indian Cricketer VB Chandrasekhar…soo knowledgebale , calm and had such a great sense of humor. In fact we were having a few laughs on Monday in Tirunelveli #tnpl. #Sad Rest in peace VB bro !!!

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) August 16, 2019

Shocking news..can’t believe VB Sir is no more…#rip

— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) August 16, 2019

Deeply saddened and shocked to know about the demise of my good friend VB Chandrasekhar. Heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul RIP.

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 15, 2019

My deepest condolences to the family of VB Chandrasekhar. May your soul RIP Sir. 🙏

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 15, 2019