[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Former India opener and national selector VB Chandrasekhar committed suicide at his residence in Mylapore on Thursday (August 15) evening, police said on Friday. His body was found hanging from the ceiling fan in his bedroom on the first floor.
It was initially reported that he had died following a massive cardiac arrest.
“Chandrasekhar’s wife told the police that she had knocked at the door of his room but there was no response. She then peeped through the window to find him hanging from the ceiling,” said inspector Senthil Murugan investigating officer.
Chandrasekhar’s wife told them that he went to his room at 5.45pm after having his tea, police said. He was under a lot of stress due to the debts incurred in his cricket business, Murugan 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 (August 15).
A hard-hitting opener, he represented India in seven ODIs, with an innings of 53 being his highest score. In 81 First Class matches, Chandrasekhar notched up 4999 runs at an average of 43.09 with 10 centuries.
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 also expressed their grief at 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.
In shock, the cricketing fraternity across the country expressed their sense of loss at the sudden demise of VB.
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.”
“I met him just a few days ago. He looked so fit, everything was fine, I can’t believe he is no more,” former India player and TN captain S. Badrinath, who was doing commentary for TNPL, said.
“Deeply saddened and shocked to know about the demise of my good friend VB Chandrasekhar. Heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul RIP,” wrote VVS Laxman.
Stephen Fleming also tweeted, “Sad day and a big loss to the cricket family. Rest in Peace VB.”
Former India captain Krish Srikkanth, who had opened several times in the past with VB, said he was shock 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 said, “Extremely sad and 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 and believed in us since very beginning. My deepest condolences to the family.”
“Shell shocked to hear the demise of V B Chandrasekar sir. My deepest condolences to the family,” tweeted Abhinav Mukund,
India and CSK off-spinner Harbhajan Singh expressed sadness and tweeted, “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”.
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 commence at 9 am on Saturday, 17th August 2019 at the Mylapore Crematorium, behind IG’s Office.
Chandrasekhar, popularly called VB, was only six days short of his 58th birthday and is survived by his wife and two daughters.
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