Udupi:  Former Cricketer of Padubidri Friends, Venkatesh No More 
News & Pics: Chethan Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (VA)

Udupi, Apr 18: Venkatesh Acharya (34), the former player of one of the strongest and well-known tennis ball cricket team in the state, ‘Padubidri Friends’, passed away in a tragic accident at Sirsi of North Kanara district on Friday April 16. The bike in which Venkatesh was traveling was hit by a bus and he breathed his last on the spot. 

Venkatesh is basically a resident of Bengre, here. He was also known as Manju. He played for Padubudri Friends for 12 years from 1990 to 2002 and moved to Sirsi on official basis where he was temporarily residing.

Venkatesh was an opening player in the team and considered as one of the most powerful batsman. The opposition team had the tough task of getting him out once he gets into the field. He had participated in taluk, district as well as state- level tennis ball cricket tourneys and bagged several individual awards. 

The news of Venkatesh’s death came as a shock to all the players and his associates. He was a calm and quiet person and was loved by all.

He was working as an assistant manager at Sriram Finance, Kumta. He had informed one of his close friends that he was selected as a manager for the Udupi branch and will be in Udupi on Monday. He had also told that once he gets back he will join the Padubidri Friends team again. 

Venkatesh was a son of late Sheena Acharya of Bengre. He is survived by mother, four brothers and a sister. 

Venkatesh’s body was brought from Sirsi to his residence at Padubidri and the last rites were performed on Saturday April 17. 

Sharat Shetty, the captain of Padubidri Friends has condoled the death on behalf of all the team members.