Hyderabad: Renowned Hyderabad cricket coach, former selector and Ranji Trophy player T. Vijay Paul passed away at a city hospital on Friday. He was 64 and is survived by his wife and two sons. Funeral will be held either on Monday or Tuesday as the family is awaiting the arrival of his brothers from USA.
Paul Sir, as he was known in cricket circles, is credited with shaping the careers of several state and international cricketers, A. T. Rayudu being his most famous ward.
Vijay Paul scored 1,583 runs at an average of 35.97 in the 34 matches he played for Hyderabad during 1974-83 before taking up coaching at the Gymkhana grounds, Bhavan’s Ramakrishna Vidyalaya in Sainikpuri and then at the CAL Public School in Kapra. He would organise the Santa Cup inter-coaching camps tournament during Christmas season every year.
The president, secretary and members of the Hyderabad Cricket Association expressed shock in a statement. “All the HCA members convey their heartfelt condolence to members of the bereaved family and pray God almighty to give them strength and courage to bear this loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the statement read.
