Biography

With a century on debut in the Ranji Trophy in 1967-68, and a similar feat on Test debut in 1969-70, GR Viswanath, dearly known as 'Vishy' soon became one of the best batsmen India ever produced. With an eventful start to his international cricketing career, Viswanath will be remembered for his sportsmanship and his sublime batting talent that left many a legendary bowlers gasping for breath.

Be it exceptional timing, master strokeplay, exquisite late-cuts or classic square-cuts, Viswanath mastered every shot, and just as it was in the coaching manual. Known for contributing when the chi[s were down, Viswanath's unbeaten 97 in 1974-75 at Madras against an on-the-rampage Andy Roberts will shine in the books of Indian history as one of the most memorable innings ever played in the game. India never lost a Test when he scored a hundred - such was Vishy’s legacy.
Vishy was known for playing the game in the 'right spirit' and will be remembered in what one will call one of the most defining moments of the gentleman's game. In the Golden Jubilee Test against England in 1979-80, Viswanath recalled Bob Taylor, who was erroneously declared out by the Umpire. Though India lost that Test, Vishy's gesture proved that he was one of the fairest players to have played the game.
After retiring from the game in 1983, GR served as ICC Match Referee for five years between 1999-2004.