A piece of alarming news for the world of the gentleman’s game came in the form of former India opener and Tamil Nadu batsman VB Chandrasekhar’s (57) death. Unable to handle the pressure of a huge mounting debt, he committed suicide by hanging at his Mylapore residence in Chennai on Thursday night.
The veteran cricketer owned the T20 team, VB Kanchi Veerans that was a part of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). According to initial investigation reports, he had borrowed nearly Rs 4 crore from a private bank, and invested around Rs 3 crore on the team.
“The autopsy report had confirmed it as death by hanging and the body has been handed over to the family,” A Jayalakshmi, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mylapore, said.
Earlier, it was being said that he had died of a massive heart attack.
He was also with the CSK, and had played a big role in getting MS Dhoni into the team.
“He had incurred heavy losses in running the cricket team, Kanchi Veerans in the absence of any sponsor since its inception four years ago. Further, the team reached the play-off stage only this year but was eliminated after losing a crucial match. And recently, the bank from which he had borrowed money by pledging his house as surety, had sent a recovery notice. Ever since, he was under great mental stress,” said Jayalakshmi.
The Deputy Commissioner also added that Chandrasekhar’s wife, Sowmya, had told the police that he was depressed due to the financial losses and the debt burden.
“Preliminary inquiry points to death due to mounting financial troubles. Further investigations on,” the DCP signed off.
It was indeed a dark day for his family, comprising his wife and two daughters.
Here’s how the shocked cricketing world reacted to his sudden demise:
Very sad to hear of the passing away of VB Chandrasekhar. Have fond memories of him. My condolences to his family. 🙏🏻
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 16, 2019
Very sad to hear the news of VB Chanderasekar passing away. He was supposed to work the @TNPremierLeague final tonight. Sad times at Chepauk this evening
— Scott Styris (@scottbstyris) August 15, 2019
Terrible news…VB…too soon. Shocking! Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 15, 2019
Extremely sad & 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 & believed in us since very beginning. My deepest condolences to the family. pic.twitter.com/g2mtq8wRos
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) August 15, 2019
Sad day and a big loss to the cricket family. Rest In Peace VB. https://t.co/4KSlDduA9V
— Stephen Fleming (@SPFleming7) August 16, 2019
Sad and shocking news..deepest condolences to the https://t.co/mYNF4Ket5C #VBChandrasekhar
— Ajit Agarkar (@imAagarkar) August 16, 2019
Shocking news..can’t believe VB Sir is no more…#rip
— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) August 16, 2019
Deeply saddened and shocked to know about the demise of my good friend VB Chandrasekhar. Heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul RIP.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 15, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family of VB Chandrasekhar. May your soul RIP Sir. 🙏
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 15, 2019
Deeply Saddened to hear the demise of my opening partner and friend – VB ! Too soon and shocked! heartfelt condolences to his family!
— Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) August 15, 2019
BCCI regrets to inform that former India opener VB Chandrasekhar is no more. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and his fans.
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 15, 2019
