One of India’s most respected cricket statisticians, Keshavamurthy Channagiri, passed away on 6 May 2025, in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Born on 15 July 1939 in Bagur, Karnataka, his love for cricket began in childhood, when he played for local teams. A man of many talents, he first explored writing – penning detective and social novels, screenplays, and even translating Sherlock Holmes stories into Kannada. His journey into cricket statistics started in 1976, and soon he became a trusted source for newspapers, journals, All India Radio, TV channels, and websites like Thatscricket and Cricket Archive. He collaborated and co-authored with many leading cricket statisticians and cricket historian Kersi Meher Homji, publishing articles in leading platforms such as The Cricket Statistician and The Sydney Morning Herald. He also served as Assistant Editor for Pakistan sports magazines Cricket Herald and Calendar Year Kings.
Renowned for his expertise in Indian domestic cricket and Ranji Trophy records, Keshavamurthy was the go-to person for journalists and media, even during his final days. His contributions were honoured by the Karnataka State Cricket Association during their Diamond and Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and he served as KSCA’s official statistician under Anil Kumble’s presidency. In 2016/17, he was named Best Statistician by the Society of Cricket Statisticians of India.
A passionate collector of cricket literature, he was meticulous and deeply committed to accuracy – once tracking down players from decades-old matches to correct a scorecard error in a BCCI Cricket Annual. Beyond cricket, he was a humble, down-to-earth individual and an active social advocate in his community.
His passing is an irreplaceable loss to his family and the cricketing world. He will be remembered not just for his unmatched knowledge and dedication, but for his warmth, humility, and the friendships he built across generations. His love for cricket was pure, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who cherish the game. May his soul rest in peace.
For enquiries, please contact his son, Sanjay Channagiri sanjayachannagiri@yahoo.com