Former Karnataka Ranji cricketer and fast bowler SL Akshay passed away on Sunday after reportedly suffering a heart attack while playing a division match in Bengaluru. He was 39. Notably, Akshay played his last FC game for Karnataka alongside KL Rahul, where he picked up a four-wicket haul, and KL Rahul smashed 110 runs that helped Karnataka register a 47-run win against Hyderabad.

Akshay, who hailed from Shivamogga, had represented Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy. He had also featured in the Karnataka Premier League (KPL), which is now known as the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20.

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How did Akshay die?

According to sources, Akshay was playing a third division match at a ground in KR Puram. During the afternoon session, he complained of chest pain while fielding. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Sources said Akshay had bowled four overs before leaving the field after feeling uneasy and uncomfortable. He was immediately taken for medical treatment, but could not be revived.

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Akshay's career

Akshay played for Karnataka between 2011 and 2013. During his career, he appeared in six first-class matches, three List A games and nine T20 matches. After retiring from competitive cricket, he moved into coaching and worked with the Karnataka under-19 team, continuing to contribute to the development of young cricketers in the state.

Former India and Karnataka cricketer Dodda Ganesh wrote on X, “Terrible terrible news for the cricket community. SL Akshay, 39, a fast bowler, whom I saw from close quarters from his U19 days has passed away today while playing a division match. Just don’t have words to express my grief. A soft spoken guy who played for Karnataka in 2011/12 with decent success, is no more. RIP Akshay.”

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) said in a statement, “Akshay represented Karnataka with distinction at the first-class level and, even beyond his playing career, continued to serve the game with unwavering passion and dedication. As a junior-level coach, he played a pivotal role in nurturing and mentoring young cricketers, leaving an enduring impact on the development of cricketing talent in the State.”