Ex-cricketer VB Chandrasekhar ends life over ‘mounting debts’

Former Indian cricketer V B Chandrasekhar allegedly ended his life at his house in East Abiramapuram on Thursday night. Preliminary reports revealed that he had mounting debts which forced him to end his life.

This incident comes five days after his team V B Kanchi Veerans played against Madurai Panthers and were eliminated from the TNPL in semi finals, which was conducted at Tiruneliveli.

Although initial reports claimed that he died of cardiac arrest, later the Mylapore police confirmed that he had committed suicide.

On Thursday, he was having tea with his wife Sowmya and two daughters after which he went into his room. At around 9.30 pm, since he did not come out of the room and did not even respond to the knocks, the family members broke open the door and found him hanging.

Police said that there was no suicide note recovered from the house and added that he had taken loans from various banks for his cricket team and had been depressed for the past five days.

The family members told the police officer that Chandrasekhar had to go for the match, but he stayed back at home. Police have taken his mobile phone and the other bank notices which were sent to him and are inquiring into the case.

Into Chandrasekhar’s life

Chandrasekhar was also the manager of IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings for the first three years. He played for India in seven ODIs, with a knock of 53 being his best score. He also served as a national selector for a brief period and had been part of the Tamil Nadu team that won the Ranji Trophy in 1988.

Cricket fraternity in shock

The news of the former cricketer has shocked the cricket fraternity who took to social media to express their condolences.

"BCCI regrets to inform that former India opener VB Chandrasekhar is no more. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and his fans," BCCI tweeted.

Suresh Raina, too, spoke of VB's efforts when CSK started its journey. "His consistent efforts made it possible to set the right foundation of the CSK team. He always encouraged & believed in us since the very beginning. My deepest condolences to the family," Raina tweeted.

Former India captain and leg spinner Anil Kumble too expressed shock. "Terrible news... VB... Too soon. Shocking! Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends," he tweeted.

"Deeply saddened and shocked to know about the demise of my good friend VB Chandrashekar. Heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul RIP," VVS Laxman tweeted.

Cricketers including Rahul Dravid. Dinesh Karthik, Murali Vijay and Vijay Shankar visited Chandrasekhar's house to pay tributes.