Sudhakar Rao

Ramchandra Sudhakar Rao (born 8 August 1952) is a former Indian cricketer. He played domestic cricket for Karnataka and played one One Day International for India against New Zealand in 1976.

Early career Sudhakar Rao grew up in Basavanagudi and studied at the National School. He stayed close to the ground near his school and would play cricket with tennis ball regularly. The sports secretary of the school, Swamy, saw Sudhakar bat during one of the sessions. Sudhakar was immediately selected in the school team and ordered to play against a rival school. It was the first time Sudhakar was playing on a matting wicket and handling a cricket ball. He made the occasion memorable by scoring a hundred.

Sudhakar Rao subconsciously modelled his batting on Gundappa Viswanath. He was a great admirer of Gundappa Viswanath from his school days and lot of Viswanath's mannerisms rubbed off on him. Sudhakar made his club debut for VV Puram Cricket Club before Viswanath's footsteps and joining him at the Spartans cricket club. Sudhakar scored well for State schools and made his way into the South Zone schools side. He had received the news that his mother was admitted in the hospital for a mild stroke, but he continued to play. He followed that with 34 and 6 against Otago at Dunedin. He made his one-day international debut against New Zealand at Eden Park. He was run out for 4 as India struggled to chase 236 in 35 overs and never played for India again.

Sudhakar Rao was selected for the following tour of the West Indies. He struggled in the side games and did not score enough runs.

Later career Sudhakar Rao continued to be a pillar of strength to Karnataka side and was a member of the state squad which won the Ranji Trophy in 1973–74, 1977–78 and 1982–83. When he retired, he had scored 3021 runs at an average of 40.82 in the national competition.

Sudhakar Rao was also the Secretary, Karnataka State Cricket Association.