GR Viswanath, the first superstar batsman from Karnataka to play for India, played a pivotal role in Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy triumphs. He quickly rose from domestic to international cricket because of his batting prowess. He came to the limelight under the captaincy of EAS Prasanna for Karnataka and under Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi for India.

Asked about his quick graduation from domestic to international cricket, GR Viswanath said on Star Sports 1 Kannada show Diggajara Danthakathe, “Thanks to Prasanna who pushed for me initially. It helped me play for the state. Pataudi was playing for Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy. As a part of Karnataka team, we had to play against him. He (Pataudi) saw me closely there. For a match playing for President’s XI, New Zealand had come in 1968 and I got a chance to play. Chandu Borde was the captain and we had a good partnership. He [Chandu Borde] recommended me to Pataudi and that’s how I came into prominence much earlier than what I expected.”