Veteran Cricket Umpire Vikramraju Officiates Second Tied Test in History, Passes Away at 92 in 2026

Former umpire Vikramraju dies at 92 after decades of service, known for officiating cricket's second tied Test.

Umpire’s career highlights Vikramraju officiated in two Test matches and five One-Day Internationals during his career. He also stood in 42 first-class fixtures across different competitions. None of these assignments left a mark as deep as the unforgettable tied Test between India and Australia. The match took place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium over five days in mid-September roughly four decades prior to his passing. ## Historic tied Test recalled The Chennai Test remains cricket’s second-ever tied encounter, following the 1960 Brisbane draw between Australia and West Indies. In that September face-off, Raju faced intense scrutiny for an lbw call against India’s No. 11 batter Maninder Singh. Australian spinner Greg Matthews trapped Maninder in front, ending India’s pursuit of 348 with a final score of 347 all out. Dara Dotiwalla shared the on-field duties that day. ## Series context and aftermath The decision occurred in the first Test of a three-match series that concluded in a 0-0 stalemate. The controversy surrounding Raju’s call became a defining moment in his career, overshadowing his broader contributions. Despite the backlash, he maintained his standing as a respected figure in the game. The series itself faded into lesser memory compared to the singular tied Test. ## Legacy beyond on-field role After retiring from umpiring, Vikramraju transitioned into match refereeing duties. He presided over four first-class matches in his new capacity. His post-umpiring work extended to league play in the Karnataka Premier League, later renamed as the KSCA Maharaja T20 Trophy. The association continued to honor his decades of service long after his active officiating days. ## Official tribute from KSCA The Karnataka State Cricket Association issued a statement expressing profound grief at Vikramraju’s demise. It praised him as a former international umpire who upheld cricket’s highest standards with distinction and integrity. The tribute highlighted his decades-long commitment to the sport and his recognition at the game’s uppermost levels. The association mourned the loss of a stalwart who enriched Indian cricket.