Thus began my journey with International games and it’s just a coincidence that I will be officiating my 100^th International game at the very stadium where I had begun my journey. The test match between India and Afghanistan which begins at Bengaluru on 14.06.18 would be my 100^th International game. It is also a coincidence that this 100^th game has come in my 50^th year of my cricketing career.

On May, 10, 1975, at home, Doddamma, Kitty, Seeki and Dodda Jayamma interviewed a girl in alliance for me. Her name was Vijayalakshmi, who became my life partner on 25^th June 1975.

Marriage took place at Hoysala Karnataka Sangha Hostel. Wilson Gardens, Bangalore and was attended by mother’s mentor “Seeni” with his family, which made me very happy. 

I was never aware of the fact that the “Emergency” was clamped in the country on June, 25, 1975.  When I reported for duty at the Bank, one of my colleague – Clement Susainathan, called me aside and asked “what were you doing on 25^th June”. I told him sheepishly, that I got married on that day. He joked that when the entire country was having Emergency on that day, you were having your “Emergency Night”. Clement resigned from the bank later and has settled down in US. We had a get together when he visited Bengaluru last year.

Prior to our wedding, I went for a walk with Vijayalakshmi and her sisters and cousins. At one moment, we two were left alone while her sisters and cousins were walking a few steps ahead of us. I suddenly told my would-be wife that you are “my second wife”. She was puzzled for a moment and stared directly in my eyes. I told her that Cricket is my first wife and she was my second. She was relived and told that she is very much interested in Carnatic Classical Vocal music. From that day to this day, we have never interfered in our respective fields.