My dearest friend Ashok Varma, who was hoping to hit me for a boundary in our get-together match next month, passes away

By K.R. Nayar

Life can be so uncertain. A painfully shocking news this morning reiterated this fact for me. My dearest friend Ashok Varma, a left-arm spinner and a left-handed batsman, with whom I grew up playing cricket at the Caravan Cricket Club in Thycaud, Trivandrum, passed away in his sleep. What touched me was his last Whatsapp message to me three days back. We have been planning a get-together of our Caravan Cricket Club next month along with a cricket match to recall our playing days at the Thycaud Maidan. In that message he said wanted to hit Shaheer (our club’s opening bowler) and me for a boundary and take the wicket of Hari (our finest batsman).

Ashok Varma 

Varma, as well all called him, was more a bowler, a naturally talented left-arm spinner. On August 13, known as left-handers’ day, while remembering all the left-handers in our group, I was talking about his bowling as poetry in action. Although he was never coached professionally, he was accurate and often managed to generate a good turn. Memories of playing with him and his friendship will never fade away as there have been so many unforgettable incidents. He was an embodiment of a true and loving friend for many reasons. 

Ashok Varma's last WhatsApp  message wanting to hit a boundary and get a wicket

Varma belonged to a royal family from Kerala and was related to G.V.Raja, a sports promoter on whose birth anniversary (October 13) is observed Kerala Sports Day. The G. V. Raja Sports School is also founded in his honour. Despite his royal connections, Varma was always a simple hearted person.   He could have used all his connections and influence to achieve whatever he wanted, but he was happy playing with us. So much so that he would not go for any of the selections and instead play with all of us and have a great day. 

Ashok Varma two weeks ago with Caravan Club friends 

It was Varma’s cousin Upendra Varma, a renowned Malayalam sports journalist, who once told me that he had a relative named Ashok Varma who was keen to join a club. That was how I invited Varma to join our club. He was a chubby boy and looked like someone fit for a health drink advertisement. 

Ashok Varma with  Thycaud teammates during a get-together a few years ago

Varma had the ability to flight and turn the ball, but he would get very upset if someone hit him for a boundary or six. Right away his cheeks would turn red. He once told me that he was not upset at being hit but he felt he was letting his team down.  He was such a simple person. And as his captain, I would encourage him to bowl telling him that if anyone hits his good delivery for a boundary, he must challenge the batsman by bowling a similar one with even more confidence. He always picked two to three wickets in a match and would be even more thrilled to get a wicket through his flight. Years later, he told me that one of the big lessons he got from cricket was to keep trying anything and everything with a smile and that you will win one day. And in life, Varma went on to become a successful banker as well. 

Ashok Varma with teammate and renowned film actor Nandalal

When I captained MG College in Trivandrum, he was one of the players picked for the team. Our sports-in-charge then was of the opinion that all sportsmen should be well built. Since Varma was more on the chubby side, the sports-in-charge bluntly asked me whether I had picked him as a pillow for everyone. However, Varma bagged four wickets in our very next match to prove him wrong.

Ashok Varma with Hari and yours truly in the Thycaud lane from where Caravan Cricket Club began 

Every weekend he would stay at the Kowdiar Palace where Sree Chithira Thirunal, the last ruling Maharaja of the princely state of Travancore, lived. It was from him that we got to hear tales about the palace and the people who lived there. 

Ashok Varma with Sadique whom he visited often to recall his playing days in Thycaud

There have been numerous instances of how simple and sincere a friend he was. After he shifted to Tripunithura (near Kochi) for his job, he made it a point to meet and stay at one of our team-mate, Siddique's place in Trivandrum frequently, especially to recall our playing days.

Ashok Varma during a get-together of Packers Cricket Club, another club from Thycaud Maidan 

I remember going to watch the horror movie ‘The Omen’ with Varma when it was released in 1976.  He was quite faint-hearted too and wasn't too sure about watching the whole movie. I suggested he close his eyes whenever he felt uncomfortable watching a scary scene. I now remember how he held my hands tightly during some of the horror scenes. Varma was also very sensitive and could easily get teary-eyed watching emotional movies. 

Ashok Varma was always the first to clap, during another get-together

I met him for the last time this year in April during my visit to Kerala. He was insistent that I visit his home and meet his family.  And just before leaving, he suggested we take a selfie. He was very happy to have met me, and thanked me profusely for visiting his home.  Just before leaving, he gave me a warm hug and a kiss. Knowing Varma's loving nature, his overflow of affection did not surprise me. Now I wonder whether he did that because he felt he was meeting me for the last time.    

My last meeting with Ashok Varma at his home with his wife 

Ever since we planned our Caravan Club get-together, he has been calling almost everyone to make sure we would all make it on that day. He was very excited and looking forward to playing again at Thycaud where, as he would often say, he had the most enjoyable moments of his life.

Dear Varma... we will miss that smile 

Dear Varma, we will miss you terribly. In fact, Shaheer, who even now is a tear-away fast bowler, was planning to bowl a slower one to let Varma to hit a boundary. Varma was always sporting and never shied away from acknowledging a good shot or a good delivery. We will all miss your ever smiling face. May your soul rest in peace.