The former Tamil Nadu and India hard-hitting batsman VB Chandrasekhar was found dead at his home in Chennai on Thursday. He was six days of his 58th birthday.
The opening batsman was distressed over the losses sustained while running a cricket league team, according to his family. VB Chandrasekhar owned a team called VB Kanchi Veerans in the Tamil Nadu cricket league and was also running a cricket coaching center.
"He was under pressure on account of his financial situation. He had invested Rs 3 crore in the Kanchi Veerans TNPL team. A month ago, he had received a notice from the bank. He had accrued a lot of debt. He had mortgaged his house too. He even had tea with his family at around 5: 45 pm before going to his room," investigating official Senthil Murugan told The News Minute.
Chandrasekhar, who is survived by his wife and two daughters, represented India in seven One Day Internationals (ODIs) between 1988 and 1990. He played a key role in the state's triumph in the 1987-88 season with 551 runs.
Chandrasekhar blasted 56-ball fourth-innings century in the Irani Trophy against Rest of India, which was the then fastest hundred in first-class cricket by an Indian.
(Image source from: Sportsstar - The Hindu)
In 81 first-class matches, Chandrasekhar racked up 4999 runs at an average of 43.09 with 10 centuries. He had the highest score of an undefeated 237.
Chandrasekhar also served as a national selector after retirement and coached the Tamil Nadu team during the 2012-13 season. He was appointed team director of Chennai Super Kings at the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) offered its condolences to the bereaved family. "BCCI regrets to inform that former India opener VB Chandrasekhar is no more. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and his fans."
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
By Sowmya Sangam
