One of the seminal figures of Tamil Nadu cricket, AG Ram Singh passed away yesterday. Ram Singh was 91. Ram Singh never played an official Test for India, though he represented India in two unofficial Test matches. He came close to going on India's tour to England in 1946, but was denied a place because the selectors believed he had a heart problem.

Originally from Amritsar, he adopted Madras (now Chennai) as his second home and established himself as a top class all-rounder. Ram Singh has the distinction of picking up the first ever wicket to fall in the Ranji Trophy. Playing against Mysore in the 1934-35 season, Ram Singh picked up 11 wickets, spinning Tamil Nadu to victory in just one day! Apart from bowling excellent orthodox left-arm spin, Ram Singh was also a classy batsman.

Ram Singh continued to contribute richly to Tamil Nadu cricket as a coach, after retiring as a player. It was during his tenure as coach in 1955-56 that Madras clinched the Trophy. Ram Singh's sons AG Kripal Singh and AG Milkha Singh went on to represent India. His grandchildren Harjinder Singh and Arjan Kripal Singh have represented Tamil Nadu.

The TNCA honoured him earlier this year by naming the West Gate of the MA Chidambaram stadium after him.