He was a compelling striker of the ball, a marauder who could propel it to different corners with enormous power.
Many believed he should have played a lot more than just seven ODIs for India.
After retirement, he shifted his thoughts to guiding emerging cricketers, became a national senior selector, coached the Tamil Nadu side, donned the role of the Chennai Super Kings’ cricket manager who roped in the game-changing M. S. Dhoni, was a commentator and bought a TNPL franchise, VB Kanchi Veerans.
He was an influential, forceful personality, at times stubborn, but always led by his passion for the game. The man breathed cricket, gave the game his all.
On August 15, the much-loved V. B. Chandrasekhar, leaving the cricketing fraternity in a state of shock, committed suicide at his Chennai home. He was 57 and is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Police gave financial stress caused by the losses suffered by VB’s TNPL franchise as a reason for him taking the ultimate step. But then, according to reliable sources, VB owned properties that were worth a lot more than the money he lost in the TNPL.
An engaging conversationalist with a charming smile and a sense of humour, VB, as he was popularly called, made many friends. He was never short of anecdotes.
He shared a special bond with batting legend Rahul Dravid, coached him and then his two sons. Dravid flew down to Chennai for VB’s final farewell.
Popular during his playing days, Chandrasekhar notched up 4,999 runs at 43.09 with 10 centuries in 81 first class matches. And he made 551 runs in eight matches in the 1987-88 season when Tamil Nadu last won the Ranji Trophy.
He could be brutal with his onslaughts. In the Irani Trophy contest of 1988-89 in Chennai, VB raced to his century in just 56 balls, then the quickest hundred by an Indian in first-class cricket. He was drafted into the Indian ODI side soon after that incredible innings.
VB did leave an indelible mark on cricket. He will be missed.
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