FILE IMAGE: Karnataka player SL Akshay before a Ranji Trophy game in 2015. | Photo Credit: THE HINDU ARCHIVES

Former Karnataka fast bowler S.L. Akshay passed away here on Sunday due to a heart attack. He was 39.

Akshay was playing a KSCA Division III match for Sapphire CC at SLS Kreedangana here on Sunday, when he left the field after bowling four overs. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was brought dead, officials stated.

An athletic, effort bowler, Akshay played six First-Class matches for Karnataka. He also earned three List ‘A’ and nine T20 caps, in an era when Karnataka boasted of a loaded speedster trio in Vinay Kumar, A. Mithun and S. Arvind.

The Shimoga-born Akshay made his senior Karnataka debut in 2010, in a Vijay Hazare Trophy List ‘A’ fixture against Hyderabad at Chennai. In his last List ‘A’ game, in 2013, he recorded career-best figures of four for 50 against Hyderabad.

Akshay’s last Ranji Trophy appearance came in 2012, against Haryana at Hubli. Akshay bowled 28 overs and picked up three wickets, even as Amit Mishra and Jayant Yadav put on a 392-run eighth-wicket stand.

Akshay was the Karnataka under-19 bowling coach in recent times.

Former Karnataka wicketkeeper-batter C.M. Gautam expressed shock at Akshay’s demise. “He was a close friend. Akshay was an amazing person. He was a pure soul, with a good sense of humour,” Gautam said.

“He was a very good fast bowler, who always gave 100 per cent effort on the field. Even recently, we played a KSCA Group II match for Bank of Baroda, and he bowled his heart out. He was the ultimate team man,” Gautam said.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association paid tribute to Akshay.

“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. His commitment to the sport, gentle nature, and selfless contribution towards shaping the next generation of cricketers earned him immense respect and admiration across the cricketing fraternity. Karnataka cricket has lost not only a former player and coach, but also a deeply valued member of its family,” a KSCA statement read.

Published on May 24, 2026