He was 80 and is survived by his wife, a son and three daughters.
Baskaran, a dedicated sports scribe, had reported on most games in his long career working for Free Press Journal, Indian Express, Newsday (defunct) and then The Times of India where he spent the better part of his career -- lasting more than 25 years -- before being superannuated.
Baskaran, who reported on football from all over the country when India was a force to reckon with in Asia, was also well-admired for his coverage of other ball games like basketball.