A very dynamic and versatile midfielder to emerge from the Pune stable, Vikram won many battles for India. Hailing from Kidki in Pune, the midfielder shone at the Bangalore and Chennai Jr. Nationals where his Bombay team made it to the finals. A beneficiary of Tata’s stipend, Pillai played for Tata Sports Club before joining Air India and then moved to present employer Indian Airlines. Missed his first tour South Africa, 1999) due to passport problem. Made senior debut along with Ignace Tirkey in the 2001 Azlan Shah Cup after winning gold at the Samaranch Cup. Played all matches at Hobart Jr. World Cup and narrowly missed the last World Cup after being part of title winning Champions Challenge Cup, held a couple of months before KL World Cup. Coach Rajinder Sr. took him for the 2002 Australia tour and then Pillay never looked back. Adjudged ‘Best Player’ of the 2004 Holland Test Series. Not in the Indians team since Doha Asian Games, was recalled in 2009 and then went on to play 2010 World Cup, where he struck two crucial goals too. Wears Hyderabad Sultans label in the PHL. Vikram Pillay works with Air India. His younger brother Vikas Pillay too player of repute. Vikram runs a Hockey Academy in his hometown Pune to train and promote young talent at grassroots.