Former international umpire V Vikram Raju, who officiated in the historic tied Test between India and Australia at Chennai in 1986, died in Bengaluru on Sunday. He was 92.
A Storied Umpiring Career
Raju umpired two Tests and five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) during his career, in addition to standing in 42 first-class matches. However, none of these assignments remained in memory more than the tied Test between India and Australia played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai from September 18 to 22, 1986.
That match was only the second tied Test in the history of cricket at the time, with the first being the contest between Australia and the West Indies in Brisbane in 1960.
KSCA Mourns the Loss
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) expressed its grief in a statement: "It is with profound grief and deep sorrow that the President and the Managing Committee of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) mourn the demise of Vikram Raju, former International Umpire. He served the game of cricket with great distinction and integrity over several decades. As an umpire, he earned recognition at the highest levels of the sport."
The Controversial Decision
Four decades ago, Raju found himself at the receiving end of criticism after he adjudged number 11 batsman Maninder Singh leg before wicket off Australian spinner Greg Matthews. The decision ended India's chase at 347, exactly one run short of the victory target of 348. Dara Dotiwala was the other on-field umpire in that match.
That Test was the first of a three-match series which eventually ended in a 0-0 draw.
Post-Umpiring Contributions
Following his umpiring career, Raju continued to contribute to cricket as a match referee. He officiated in four first-class matches as a referee, in addition to serving in the Karnataka Premier League (KPL), which has since been rebranded as the KSCA Maharaja T20 Trophy.
Raju's passing marks the end of an era in Indian cricket officiating, leaving behind memories of one of the most iconic matches in the sport's history.
