Dr. CK Bhaskaran Nair | Photo: Special Arrangement
Houston: Former Kerala Ranji Trophy cricketer Dr. CK Bhaskaran Nair passed away in Houston on Saturday. He was suffering from cancer.
Bhaskaran Nair was the first Keralite to play in the Indian test team. He represented India against Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). However, this match was declared unofficial test match as Ceylon was not given test status. CK Bowled 18 overs in that match, taking two wickets while conceding 51 runs.
Bhaskaran was born in Thalassery in 1941. He was a regular in the Ranji team from 1957 to 1969. Kerala’s pace attack consisting of CK and former player TK Madhavan intimidated even the strongest batsmen of that era.
Bhaskaran debuted at the age of 16 for Kerala in Ranji Trophy team. He played against Andhra Pradesh in his debut match. He played for Kerala until 1968-1969. Bhaskaran's last match was against Mysuru.
He took 69 wickets for Kerala in 21 matches and 37 innings. His best performance was against Andhra Pradesh when he took 7 wickets while giving away only 86 runs. He has taken 5-wicket-hauls four times in his career. He has also played 12 Ranji matches for Madras claiming 24 wickets.
CK was the main player for the Kerala team that consisted of players such as Balan Pandit, George Abraham, D Ram, H Devaraj, Acharath Babu, Santi Aaron, Kelappan Thampuran and RV Thampuran.
Bhaskaran Nair secured his MBBS degree from Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. He practised Medicine in USA after finishing his cricket career.
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