Kochi: Former Kerala cricket team captain Paliath Ravi Achan passed away in Tripunithura at the age of 96. P. Ravi Achan left an indelible mark on Kerala cricket, showcasing his prowess as a batsman, bowler, and all-rounder for 17 illustrious years, starting from 1952. Initially renowned for his leg-break bowling, he later excelled as a medium pacer, off-spinner, and right-handed batsman.
Making his Ranji Trophy debut for the team Travancore-Cochin against Mysuru in Thiruvananthapuram in 1952, P. Ravi Achan swiftly etched his name in the annals of Kerala cricket history. He achieved the milestone of being the first player from Kerala to amass 1000 runs and claim 100 wickets in the Ranji tournament. Across 55 innings, he accumulated 1107 runs and has taken 125 wickets, solidifying his stature as the state’s premier all-rounder. Notably, he achieved the feat of clinching five wickets on seven occasions.
Among his standout performances, P. Ravi Achan’s brilliance shone brightest during the 1960–61 season when he delivered a stellar bowling performance against Andhra Pradesh, claiming six wickets for a mere 34 runs.
P. Ravi Achan’s crowning moment arrived when he played a pivotal role in Kerala’s historic victory in the Ranji Trophy for the first time. The match against Andhra Pradesh on December 13–16, 1963, at the Thalassery Municipal Stadium witnessed P. Ravi Achan’s heroics, as he clinched three wickets for 63 runs in the first innings and followed it up with an impressive five-wicket haul, conceding only 52 runs in the second innings, securing Kerala’s maiden Ranji title.
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