VB Chandrasekhar: Eight facts about the swashbuckling batsman

VB [Vakkadai Biksheswaran] Chandrasekhar is a former Indian cricketer who was one of the mainstays of Tamil Nadu cricket.

VB [Vakkadai Biksheswaran] Chandrasekhar, born August 21, 1961, is a former Indian cricketer who was one of the mainstays of Tamil Nadu cricket. On his 54th birthday, Suvajit Mustafi looks at eight facts about the aggressive batsman.

1.  Aggressive batsman

Chandrasekhar was one on the most aggressive batsmen in Indian domestic circuit. He was one of those rare batsmen who could match Krishnamachari Srikkanth adventurous stroke-play. When together at the crease, it was entertainment unlimited for the spectators. Often, Chandrasekhar outscored Srikkanth.

2.  56-ball hundred in Irani Trophy

Irani Trophy has made many careers and performing at that stage is always noted. In Irani Trophy 1988, Chandrasekhar’s hurricane hundred helped Tamil Nadu lift the trophy. Chasing a mammoth 340 to win, Chandra scored 119. He scored his hundred from 56-balls. It was then the fastest in First-Class cricket by an Indian.

3.  International cricket

The blistering knock unlocked the national doors for him. However he had limited success playing for India. In seven One-Day Internationals (ODIs), all he managed was 88 runs at 12.57.

4.  Playing for Goa

After spending nine seasons with Tamil Nadu and later leading them, he played his last two domestic seasons for Goa. His highest First-Class score of 237 not out came against Kerala while he was playing for Goa.

5.  Cricket academy

In 1997, Chandrasekhar opened his VB Cricket Academy. The coaching centre is based at Gurunanak College in Chennai and was inaugurated by former Australian cricketer Bob Simpson. He began “The Nest”, a residential coaching facility in 2001 and that was inaugurated by Rahul Dravid.

6.  Selector

He served as state and national level selector. He served as a Chairman of State Selection from 2001 to 2007. He was the national selector in between 2004 and 2006.

7.  Coach of Tamil Nadu

Considering his stature, he was appointed the coach of the Tamil Nadu team in 2012. But after a dismal season with the team, he was sacked.

8.  Regional commentator

He now does television commentary. He was recently seen commentating in Tamil for Sony during the Indian Premier League in 2015. He was accompanied by Tamil Nadu cricketers, Sadagopan Ramesh and Hemang Badani.

(Suvajit Mustafi consumes cricket for lunch, fiction for dinner and munches numerous other snacks throughout the day. Yes, a jack of several trades, all Suvajit dreamt of was being India’s World Cup winning skipper but ended up being a sports writer, author, screenwriter, director, copywriter, graphic designer, sportsmarketer , strategist, entrepreneur,  philosopher and traveller. Donning so many hats, it’s cricket which gives him the ultimate high and where he finds solace. He can be followed at @RibsGully and rivu7)