DJ Gokulakrishnan, a former player and coach for Tamil Nadu, suffered a heart attack and passed suddenly on October 11th. He competed for Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Goa for 12 years on the local circuit before becoming involved in the sport as a match referee and eventually accepting coaching positions.
In competitions including the Ranji Trophy, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and the Tamil Nadu Premier League, Gokulakrishnan officiated matches for the BCCI. He later served Tamil Nadu in two separate capacities as an assistant coach. He most recently worked as a talent scout for Chennai Super Kings. Ravichandran Ashwin, a legendary player for CSK and a native of Tamil Nadu, honored Gokulakrishnan in an Instagram story.
In his Instagram story, Ravichandran Ashwin posted a photo of Gokulakrishnan and called him a “wonderful person.” Ashwin went on to say that the Chennai native served as both his first bowling coach and a confidant when he was having a poor day.
In addition, the eminent off-spinner remarked that he would always cherish the sweet times he shared with Gokulakrishnan while on his several travels with the Tamil Nadu state side.
“GKS was a beautiful person, and I shall always cherish the amazing times we had together when touring with the TN Ranji team. When I was having a difficult day, he was the first person I would turn to, Ashwin wrote in his Instagram account.
“Totally surprised. My first bowling coach was DJ Gokulakrishnan, and I’m still in shock that he’s no longer around. He was 51. The 37-year-old said, “My thoughts are with JR Madanagopal and his entire family.
IPL team Chennai Super Kings issued a statement in DJ Gokulakrishnan’s honor.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), an IPL team, also issued a statement lamenting Gokulakrishnan’s passing. He received appreciation from the five-time IPL champion team. Many current and former Tamil Nadu cricket players have sent their sympathies to the grieving family and the soul of the deceased.
India
