VB Chandrasekhar, who played for India in seven one-day internationals, died on Thursday, 15 August, aged 57.
Chandrasekhar’s highest score in a brief international career that ran between 1988 and 1990 was 53, but he was a domestic stalwart. He had 4999 runs from 81 first-class matches, most of them for Tamil Nadu, with an average of 43.09 and 10 centuries. He played a big role in Tamil Nadu’s Ranji Trophy win in 1987-88 – the last time they have won the prestigious trophy.
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A hard-hitting opener, his 56-ball century in the Irani Trophy in 1988-89 was then the quickest by an Indian in first-class cricket.
After his playing career, he turned to commentary and coaching, and was also a national selector. He was involved in the Indian Premier League with Chennai Super Kings, and was seen as being instrumental in bringing MS Dhoni to the franchise.
Tributes came in from his colleagues as the cricket world was left shocked by the news.
One of the main architects behind CSK’s strong foundation and brand of cricket! V B Chandrasekhar’s contribution to TN cricket as a player, mentor and official is immeasurable. He was an intergral part of the Super Kings family and it is truly a personal loss to all of us. ? pic.twitter.com/G8AdRdBmTz
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) 16 August 2019
Terrible news…VB…too soon. Shocking! Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) 15 August 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) 15 August 2019
Very shocking to hear VB Chandrashekhar indian cricketer is no more.. very sad news .. very young to go.. rest in peace VB.. Big lose ☹️ condolences to the family ?? @CSKFansOfficial @ChennaiIPL @BCCI
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) 15 August 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) 15 August 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) 15 August 2019