Former 'keeper Budhi Kunderan is dead

Former India wicketkeeper Budhisagar (Budhi) Krishnappa Kunderan died in Scotland today.

Kunderan, 68, was suffering from lung cancer.

The Mangalore-born Kunderan, who played 18 Tests mostly under the captaincy of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi, is survived by wife, two sons and a daughter-in-law, said his brother and former cricketer Bharat Kunderan.

"He died at 2 am today, Scotland time, and the last rites will be performed there only," Bharat said.

Kunderan was a flamboyant, dapper batsman unafraid to play his shots, a forerunner to current day's wicket keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He slammed two hundreds, including a Test best of 192, and three 50s to have an impressive average of 32.70 as a wicket keeper batsman. He also pouched 23 catches and effected seven stumpings.

Kunderan made his debut under the late Gulabrai Ramchand's captaincy against Richie Benaud's Australian team at Mumbai's Brabourne Stadium in January 1960 and last played for the country in 1967. He played local cricket for Mumbai clubs Fort Vijay and P J Hindu Gymkhana but played Ranji Trophy representing the old Mysore state and south zone in Duleep Trophy. After his playing days, he migrated to Scotland where he got married and settled down.