Former India opener and national selector VB Chandrasekhar committed suicide over debts, the police said in Chennai on Friday, ruling out speculation that he died after suffering a cardiac arrest. According to a senior police official, Chandrasekhar ended his life by hanging himself at his house in the city on Thursday evening due to debts, a day after it was reported that his death was the result of a cardiac arrest. "He was under a lot of stress due to the debts incurred," the police official added. The former Indian opener owned a team (VB Kanchi Veerans) in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, the fourth edition of which concluded on Thursday. "He was under a lot of stress due to debts but it has also come to light that his health was deteriorating and he had become very frail," a source said. "The Tamil Nadu cricket fraternity is in a state of shock as he always shared a close relationship with former BCCI President N Srinivasan. He was instrumental in getting MS Dhoni to Srinivasan's IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings," the source added.
The right-hander, who was only six days short of his 58th birthday, is survived by his wife and two daughters. Chandrasekhar played seven ODIs between 1988 and 1990, scoring only 88 runs, but at the domestic level, he was prolific for a few seasons, aggregating 4,999 runs in 81 games with a highest score of 237 not out. A qualified engineer, VB, as he was popularly known in cricketing circles, was a member of the state team that won the Ranji Trophy in 1987-'88.
The cricketing fraternity across the country was shocked to learn about Chandrasekhar's death. The Indian cricket board condoled his death and posted on its Twitter handle (@BCCI): "BCCI regrets to inform that former India opener VB Chandrasekhar is no more. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and his fans."
The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association on Friday condoled the death of the former India batsman. "The Members and cricket fraternity of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association deeply condole the sudden and sad demise of former Indian Cricketer V B Chandrasekhar," it said in a message.
The legendary Sachin Tendulkar and former India captain Anil Kumble also offered their condolences to Chandrasekhar's family. "Very sad to hear of the passing away of VB Chandrasekhar. Have fond memories of him. My condolences to his family," Tendulkar tweeted. Kumble wrote: "Terrible news...VB...too soon. Shocking! Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends."
Former India captain Krish Srikkanth, who had opened several times in the past with VB, said he was shocked to learn about the death of his erstwhile batting partner, adding he was a very nice person. India and Chennai Super Kings player Suresh Raina also condoled the death of Chandrasekhar. "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," Raina tweeted.
India and CSK off-spinner Harbhajan Singh expressed sadness. "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," Harbhajan wrote on his twitter handle.
IPL team Chennai Super Kings, for which Chandrasekhar was director-operations and a selector, said Chandrasekhar was "one of the main architects behind CSKs 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 integral part of the Super Kings family and it is truly a personal loss to all of us," the CSK said on its twitter handle. His mortal remains will be kept at his residence in Mylapore and the final rites will take place from 9 AM on Saturday.
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HIGHLIGHTS
- VB Chandrasekhar played seven games in 1988.
- VB was instrumental in getting MS Dhoni to Chennai Super Kings in IPL.
- Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble also praised VB.
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