I had great respect for his cricket:Venkataraghavan,TNCA condoles

Chennai, Aug 1 (UNI) Former India captain, ICC umpire and famed off-spinner S Venkataraghavan today condoled the death of former Mumbai all rounder and captain Ashok Mankad who died in his sleep at his residence today.

''I am shocked. It's very unfortunate. He was a very good friend to me'', Venkataraghavan told UNI when informed about the sudden demise of Ashok Mankad.

Venkat also recalled his many years of playing alongside the son of legendary Vinoo Mankad, for India and against Ashok in the domestic Ranji and Duleep trophy competitions.

''I had great respect for his cricket'', Venkat also observed.

''He was one of the shrewdest thinkers in the game'', Venkat recalled, playing glowing tributes to Ashok. ''At that point of time, Ashok was a fine player of spin bowling'', the former icon also observed.

''Unfortunately, playing for India, Ashok was forced to open the innings'', Venkat said, adding '' but he took it up gamely.'' Another former India captain K Srikkanth, former Tamil Nadu and India batsman T E Srinivasan, who was also a contemporary of Ashok Mankad, condoled the death.

The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association(TNCA) expressed its condolence in a communique to Mumbai Cricket Association(MCA), TNCA secretary Kasi Viswanathan said.

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