The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Venkatraghavan felicitated

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Tuesday, Sep 21, 2004

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Sport - Cricket

Venkatraghavan felicitated

By Our Special Correspondent

BIRMINGHAM, SEPT. 20. One of the few multi-talented sportspersons in India, the affable Srinivas Venkatraghavan, was recognised by the International Cricket Council here on Sunday for his outstanding service to the game.

A pleasant surprise was in store for Venkat when he was handed a replica of himself by the ICC President Ehsan Mani at a brief function held at the Edgbaston.

Venkat was part of the famous Indian spin quartet. Among his colleagues — B. S. Bedi, E. A. S. Prasanna and B. S. Chandrashekhar — he stood out for his excellent fielding and also leadership qualities that saw him captain India in Tests and one-day internationals.

As a cricketer, Venkat was commanding in his contribution to the team with his all-round show. Known to produce nagging spells, Venkat was also the captain's trusted choice when it came to breaking a stubborn partnership. Venkat carried his cricket to a higher stage when he used the experience to play county cricket in England.

A versatile personality, Venkat is the only cricketer to have played and umpired in more than 50 Tests. It speaks for his commitment and also for his talent in helping the administrators raise the quality of the game.

A widely-respected man, Venkat enriched cricket in Tamil Nadu by becoming an administrator. He had also been involved with the game at a higher level as manager of the Indian team before he became a National selector.

His love for the game attracted Venkat towards umpiring and he was acknowledged as one of the best. At one point, he was the best in the business, a tribute to his unflinching concentration and judgement.

In recognition of his service to the game of cricket, the ICC presented him with a bronze replica of the man, depicting his distinctive gesture of giving a batsman out — right arm held to his side and the elbow bent.

A gentle nod indicating the firm decision.

According to the ICC spokesman Mark Harrison, the "occasion was fitting to recognise his outstanding work in cricket as a player and administrator. It was a recognition of the high standards that he has set in the field of umpiring."

It was also confirmed that this was a one-off honour, making Venkat a proud man at Edgbaston. For Venkat, who never discusses his achievements, it was appropriate honour at the end of a glorious career in cricket.

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