V. Vikramraju Dies at 92: The Umpire Behind the Iconic 1986 Chepauk Tied Test LBW Decision
Umpire V. Vikramraju’s controversial LBW decision against Maninder Singh in the 1986 Chepauk Test created history as India vs Australia ended in only the second tied Test ever. The dramatic finish, played under intense pressure, remains one of cricket’s most debated moments.
June 09, 2026: Umpire V. Vikramraju, who passed away in Bengaluru on Sunday at the age of 92, will forever be remembered in cricket history for his role in one of the game’s most dramatic finishes — the second-ever tied Test match between India and Australia at Chepauk in September 1986.
The match was finely poised after Australia, led by Allan Border, declared on an overnight score of 170/5, setting India a challenging target of 348 runs in 90 overs. India responded strongly, led by veteran opener Sunil Gavaskar, who was playing in his record 100th consecutive Test and scored 90. At one stage, India looked in control at 251 for 3 after Mohammad Azharuddin’s 42.
The Final-Over Drama at Chepauk
As tension gripped a packed Chepauk crowd in extreme Chennai heat, the match turned into a nerve-shredding finish. India’s lower order collapsed under pressure, and the chase swung wildly in both directions.
When Maninder Singh joined Ravi Shastri, India needed only a few runs to win. In the final over, Shastri brought the scores level with a single, but in doing so exposed Maninder at the crease. On the penultimate delivery, Maninder was struck on the pads, and umpire V. Vikramraju raised his finger for lbw. With the scores tied, that decision sealed only the second tied Test in cricket history.
The first tied Test had taken place in Australia vs West Indies at Brisbane in 1960, making the Chepauk finish even more significant.
Former international umpire V. Vikram Raju, who officiated in the historic tied Test between India and Australia at Chennai in 1986, passed away in Bengaluru on Sunday at the age of 92.
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) June 8, 2026
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Aftermath and Legacy
The decision sparked immediate controversy. Maninder Singh and Ravi Shastri believed there may have been an inside edge, while Vikramraju stood by his call. With no DRS available at the time, the decision remained final.
India ended agonisingly short of victory, and the match entered cricket folklore as one of the most dramatic finishes ever.
Vikramraju, officiating in only his second Test, never stood in another Test match again, though he did go on to umpire in five ODIs. The 40th anniversary of the tied Test is just around the corner, keeping this historic moment alive in cricket memory.