V Vikramraju Dies at 92: Umpire of Historic 1986 Tied Test

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-06-08

V Vikramraju, the Indian cricket umpire who made the decisive call in the second tied Test match in history, passed away on June 7 at age 92. He died in Mysuru after a fall at home caused internal bleeding. His name will forever be linked to one of the sport's most dramatic moments. The cricketing world remembers him for his controversial leg before wicket (LBW) decision in 1986. That call ended the Chennai Test with both teams tied on runs, making it only the second tie in nearly 150 years of Test cricket. ### The Historic 1986 Tied Test in Chennai India and Australia faced off at the MA Chidambaram Stadium from September 18 to 22, 1986. It's widely considered one of the most exciting games ever played. Australia batted first and posted a massive 574 runs, with Dean Jones scoring a legendary 210. But the conditions were brutal. Temperatures hit 104 degrees Fahrenheit with suffocating humidity. Dean Jones got so sick from the heat that he needed hospital treatment after his innings. India fought back hard over five days, with captain Kapil Dev smashing 119 runs to keep them in the game. India needed just 348 runs in the second innings. By the final over, they needed only one run to win. ### The Controversial Decision Australian bowler Greg Matthews bowled the last over. Ravi Shastri and Maninder Singh were India's last two batsmen. On the second ball, Raju made the call that defined his entire career. The ball hit Maninder Singh's pad, and Australian players shouted for LBW. Vikramraju immediately raised his finger. India was all out for 347. The match ended in a historic tie. That decision sparked instant debate. Maninder Singh insisted the ball hit his bat first. Ravi Shastri, watching from the other end, agreed it wasn't out. But Raju never changed his mind. > "I was completely confident in my decision. The bat was nowhere near the ball." — V Vikramraju, in a later interview Greg Matthews later called Raju "the bravest umpire on earth" for making such a tough call under pressure. ### Career and Life Beyond the 1986 Test Raju's umpiring career started in the 1950s in local Bengaluru leagues. He moved up to first-class cricket in 1959. His international matches were few, but that one moment made him unforgettable. Outside cricket, he worked for over 30 years in the circulation department of Deccan Herald and Prajavani newspapers. ### The Impact of the "Raised Finger" The 1986 decision had lasting effects. Raju faced heavy criticism from Indian fans and the cricket board. He never officiated another Test match after that day. Many believe he was made a scapegoat because India didn't win. Still, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) praised his service, noting he served with integrity and distinction for years. In retirement, he loved talking about cricket and that famous afternoon. Raju lived in Bengaluru before moving to Mysuru. He continued as a match referee in domestic competitions like the Karnataka Premier League. Even at 92, his love for the game never faded. His legacy reminds us that one moment can define a career, but it doesn't have to define a life.