New Delhi, September 15 (Daily Kiran) : R. Ramachandra Rao, a respected figure in Indian cricket, played a pivotal role as an umpire in a historic match where Sunil Gavaskar became the first batsman to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket. His contributions extended to several crucial decisions in India-Pakistan encounters.
Born on September 16, 1931, Rao’s deep understanding of cricket and his ability to make sound decisions quickly earned him a spot in first-class umpiring. He made his debut in 1975 during a Ranji Trophy match between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Over his career, he officiated in 20 first-class matches, where his calm demeanor on the field and resistance to pressure from players set him apart.
Rao was part of the landmark match in Ahmedabad in 1987, where Gavaskar reached the 10,000-run milestone. This match ended in a draw and was memorable for the crowd’s enthusiastic celebration, which delayed play for approximately 20 minutes. Notably, this was the only Test match Rao umpired.
In addition to his Test career, Rao officiated in five List A matches, including three One Day Internationals. His last match was a One Day International between India and Pakistan in Pune in 1987. Rao passed away on June 11, 2017, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy in the cricketing world.
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