N Gautam, who died on May 7 after battling cancer, was one of the most popular cricketers of Tamil Nadu. Tall and slightly built, this Alwarpet CC, MRF and Tamil Nadu middle-order batsman batted in a classically correct, erect style, playing mostly in the 'V' and building innings with care.

Tamil Nadu did not give this game young cricketer a fair deal, dropping him at the first sign of loss of form rather than nurturing his undoubted talent and big-match temperament.

If Gautam's batting was solid and dependable, his medium-pace was more than useful, sometimes breaking partnerships when the main bowlers had failed and slowing things down when the opposing batsmen were on the warpath. He was a swift mover and hard-working fielder who gave 100 per cent all the time. Gautam was the quintessential team man that every captain loved to have in the side for his never-say-die spirit, the same spirit that enabled him to face his personal crisis with courage and confidence.

When I played against Gautam for the first time, I bowled him with an unplayable ball. He was barely 18 or 19 then, I perhaps 40, and he flashed a boyish smile at me when I assured him it had been a fluke. We later played for the same club in the senior division league and enjoyed several moments of friendship despite the age difference between us. I enjoyed pulling his leg and, judging by the size of his grin, he enjoyed being teased by me too.

Tamil Nadu did not give this game young cricketer a fair deal, dropping him at the first sign of loss of form rather than nurturing his undoubted talent and big-match temperament. It was as much the state's loss as the youngster's, as cricketers of the stature of Kapil Dev and Mohammad Azharuddin were heard to remark on occasion.

Gautam later played for Goa, and even scored one of his three first- class hundreds for that state, but by that time he was past his prime. He never let his disappointments at the first-class level interfere with his contributions to MRF and Globe Trotters in local cricket. He was one of the mainstays of the side and often came to the team's rescue when the bigger stars had failed.

Almost every cricketer who came into contact with Gautam was convinced that he was that rarity among cricketers - a good human being. I could not agree more.

© CricInfo