S. Venkataraghavan – Cricketing Career
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | S. Venkataraghavan |
| Player Type | Right-arm off-spinner |
| Date of Birth | April 21, 1945 |
| Father’s Name | Subramanya Iyer |
| Birthplace | Madras, British India (now Chennai) |
| Career Starting Date | November 5, 1965 |
| Career Retirement Date | November 6, 1983 |
| Matches Played | 57 (Tests) |
| Centuries | 0 |
| Half Centuries | 0 |
| Ducks | 20 |
| Nervous Nineties | 0 |
| Wickets | 156 |
| Captainship in Matches | 5 |
| Man of the Matches | 1 |
Biography:
Srinivas Venkataraghavan, commonly known as S. Venkataraghavan, was a right-arm off-spinner and a former captain of the Indian cricket team. Born on April 21, 1945, in Madras (now Chennai), Venkataraghavan was an astute cricketer who made significant contributions to Indian cricket during the 1960s, 70s, and early 80s.
He made his Test debut on November 5, 1965, against New Zealand and quickly established himself as one of India’s premier spin bowlers. Venkataraghavan was known for his steady line and length, making it difficult for batsmen to score freely against him. He was a key member of the Indian spin quartet which also included Bishan Singh Bedi, Erapalli Prasanna, and Bhagwat Chandrasekhar.
In addition to his bowling prowess, Venkataraghavan was an exceptional fielder and a handy lower-order batsman. While he didn’t score centuries or half-centuries, he often played crucial knocks to support the team’s cause.
World Records:
S. Venkataraghavan didn’t achieve any world records in one-day or Twenty-Twenty formats. However, in Test cricket, he had a distinguished career, amassing 156 wickets and leading the Indian team as captain in five Test matches.
Brand Endorsements:
During Venkataraghavan’s era, brand endorsements were not as prevalent as they are in modern cricket. The focus back then was on playing the game with passion and sportsmanship.
Post-retirement, S. Venkataraghavan remained actively involved in cricket as an administrator, match referee, and coach. He has also served as a member of the International Cricket Council’s elite panel of match referees.
Throughout his cricketing journey, Venkataraghavan earned the respect of his teammates and opponents alike. His contribution to Indian cricket, both as a player and as an official, has been significant, and he continues to be revered as one of India’s cricketing legends.