Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan is a former Indian cricketer who later served as an international cricket umpire. An off-spin bowler, he was one of the four spinners — alongside Bishan Singh Bedi, Bhagwath Chandrasekhar and Erapalli Prasanna — who formed the celebrated Indian spin attack of the late 1960s and 1970s. He also captained the India national cricket team, including in the inaugural Cricket World Cup.
| Full name | Srinivasaraghavan Venkataraghavan |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Role | Off-spin bowler; later cricket umpire |
| International team | India |
| Notable position | Captain of India |
| Post-playing career | Member of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires |
Venkataraghavan emerged as a leading off-spinner in Indian domestic and international cricket. He was part of the spin quartet that defined India's bowling identity during the era, and represented India in Test cricket and One Day Internationals over an extended career. He led the Indian side at the 1975 Cricket World Cup and again at the 1979 Cricket World Cup, the first two editions of the tournament held in England.
In domestic cricket he was associated with Tamil Nadu, captaining the side in the Ranji Trophy.
After retiring as a player, Venkataraghavan took up umpiring and went on to officiate in Test matches and One Day Internationals. He was inducted into the International Cricket Council's Elite Panel of Umpires when the panel was constituted, standing in international fixtures across multiple countries before retiring from on-field duties.
Venkataraghavan is remembered both as a member of one of cricket's most renowned spin attacks and as one of a small group of cricketers who attained equivalent stature in officiating after their playing days. His career provides a continuous link between the spin-dominated era of Indian cricket in the 1960s–1970s and the professionalisation of international umpiring in the early 21st century.