Srinivas Venkataraghavan

A mechanical engineer by qualification , Srinivas Venkataraghavan was a part of the spin quartet of Chandra, Bedi and Prasanna who teased and tormented the batsmen with varying degrees of spin and accuracy.

A fighter to the core, Venkat as he is popularly known had to compete with the other offie, Prasanna for a place in the side. He was not just a good off-spinner, but also a handy lower order batsman and a fine close-in catcher. These traits enabled Venkat to sustain a long career for India.

Starting his career against New Zealand in 1965, Venkat had a dream start with 21 wickets in the 3 test series. This included a career best figures of 8/72 at the Kotla, Delhi. Venkat could nail a place in the Indian team permanently only after the famed quartet was broken. He was a part of the historic wins against West Indies in 1971 and England later that year. His figures of 5/95 at PoS were vital in securing a victory for India.

A shrewd captain, Venkat led India to the 1975 and 1979 WC as well as the tour of England later on. His career was slowing down though and was dropped from the squad in 1980. He made a surprise return against West Indies in 1983 before retiring from the game in 1985.

Venkat was an able administrator after his retirement and managed several Indian teams. He then turned into umpiring and was a much respected umpire. He officiated 73 Tests and 52 ODIs before retiring in March 2004. He was one of the top umpires in the game and it was not a surprise when he was nominated to the newly formed ICC Elite Panel. The highlights of his umpiring career include six Ashes Tests and appointments to three World Cups in 1996, 1999 and 2003. In both the 1996 and 1999 tournaments he was appointed to stand in a semi-final, and was the third umpire of the 1999 World Cup final between Australia and Pakistan at Lord's.

Venkatraghavan was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2003.

By Pradeep Krishnamurthy