Veteran Karnataka Spinner B Vijayakrishna Dies At 71, CM Says 'We Lost A Great Cricketer'

He debuted for Karnataka at the age of 19 against Hyderabad. He was an orthodox left-arm spinner (like Ravindra Jadeja). In 80 first-class matches, he picked up 194 wickets. He was a handy batsman as well scoring more than 2000 runs at an average of 25.

Image: Twitter/ @swaraj76

Bangalore: Former left-arm spinner from Karnataka, B Vijayakrishna passed away on Thursday. He had suffered a heart attack on Wednesday. The news comes as a shock to the cricketing world and many, including Karnataka's CM BS Yediyurappa, have expressed their condolences. 

Vijayakrishna was 71 at the time of his death. He debuted for Karnataka at the age of 19 against Hyderabad. He was an orthodox left-arm spinner (like Ravindra Jadeja). In 80 first-class matches, he picked up 194 wickets. He was a handy batsman as well scoring more than 2000 runs at an average of 25. Vijayakrishna inspired a generation of cricketers and thus, is being remembered fondly on his death. 

For anyone following Karnataka's Ranji Trophy matches, Vijayakrishna was a household name. He was the son of late R Bharanaiah, IAS officer, and cousin of retired IPS officer Subhash Bharani. 

Karnataka state's chief minister BS Yediyurappa expressed his condolences on the death of the veteran cricketer. “In his 15-year career as an allrounder, he played 80 first-class matches in which he scored over 2,000 runs and took 194 wickets. In his death, we have lost a great cricketer. May his soul rest in peace,” CM Yediyurappa said in a statement.

Karnataka's Deputy-CM Dr Ashwathnarayan C. N. expressed his grief on the cricketer's death. He said that he was shocked by hearing the demise of B Vijayakrishna. In a tweet, he further wrote: "With his excellent performance, Karnataka could win the Ranji Trophy 2 times. May the Lord grant peace to his soul and to his family and fans. Om Shanti."

 

Fellow Karnataka spinner and team India's ex-coach Anil Kumble also expressed his condolences. 

India's Sunil Joshi, a slow left-arm bowler himself, said that he learned a lot from the veteran spinner and that he lost a 'pal' today. He wrote: "Can’t believe it that @manujaveerappa

B Vijayakrishna sad news.! I had a great memories & had the honour to bowl along with him and learned lot of knowledge playing with him. He was a wonderful cricketer fr Karnataka & more so very nice human, personally I have lost pal"

Many others showed their respects for the former cricketer: 

 

Truly, Karnataka cricket lost one of its gems!