A prominent figure in Kerala cricket history, P. Ravi Achan, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 in Tripunithura. As a former Kerala cricket captain and the first all-rounder from the state to achieve a notable double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in the prestigious Ranji Trophy, Ravi made significant contributions to the sport. Despite the challenges of his era, where Kerala cricket teams lacked proper preparation and often traveled in uncomfortable conditions, Ravi’s dedication to the game remained unwavering.
Ravi’s cricketing journey spanned an unusually long period, from 1952 to 1970, with his career culminating at the impressive age of 41. He played a pivotal role in elevating the standards of Kerala cricket, which often struggled with defeats. Drawing inspiration from legends like Don Bradman, Ravi honed his skills through self-learning and experience, even facing off against some of India’s cricketing greats.
Renowned for his versatility, Ravi excelled both as a batsman and a bowler, showcasing his talents with leg-spin and medium pace, a unique bowling style for his time. Notably, his impressive bowling figures of 6-34 in 1960 during a match against Andhra cemented his reputation as a bowling force.
Beyond his accomplishments on the professional circuit, Ravi remained a beloved figure in local tournaments like the Pooja tournament in Tripunithura, one of the world’s oldest limited-overs tournaments. Even in his later years, he continued to shine, becoming a true golden oldie of Kerala cricket.
The cricketing community mourns the loss of legendary Kerala cricketer Ravi Achan, a stalwart whose remarkable contributions to the sport will be remembered. They schedule his final rites for Tuesday, marking the end of an era in Kerala cricket.
