The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Balaji and Badani felicitated

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 26, 2004

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Balaji and Badani felicitated

CHENNAI, APRIL 25. India cricketers from Tamil Nadu — Hemang Badani and Laxmipathy Balaji — were felicitated by the Sanmar Group in a pleasant function at a city hotel on Sunday evening.

Speaking on the occasion, N. Sankar, Chairman, the Sanmar Group, lauded paceman Balaji's resolve and commitment. "He is the toast of India now,'' he said dwelling on Balaji's weighty contribution in India's historic Test and ODI series triumphs in Pakistan.

Mr. Sankar hoped left-handed batsman Badani, given his ability and temperament, would find a place in the Indian Test team soon. He was appreciative of the fact that Badani and Balaji respected the values of the game. "It gives me particular pleasure that they are Sanmar lads.''

He acknowledged the role of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and its President N. Srinivasan, and that of Sanmar coach and former India stumper Bharath Reddy in the development of the two cricketers.

Presenting mementoes to the two players, Mr. Sankar said Balaji would receive specialised coaching from former England seamer Mike Hendrick, during Jolly Rovers' — Sanmar's first division outfit — tour of England in May.

Even as the video of his stirring deeds in Pakistan was played, Balaji reflected on those moments, in the ODIs and Tests. He thanked the teams he had represented in the city, Prahlad CC, AG's Office, Chemplast, his coaches, N.P. Balaji and Bharath Reddy, and his parents.

Badani, thanked the TNCA and Sanmar, and said he would strive to make it to the Test team.

Mr. Srinivasan complimented Badani and Balaji for their strength of mind. "They hung in there and stuck it out.'' N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu, focussed on Badani's strokeful batting and Balaji's "quick development in a short time, against the odds, and above expectations.'' Former India captain K. Srikkanth, former India opener W.V. Raman and former Tamil Nadu paceman U. Prabhakar Rao, zeroed in on the fighting qualities of Balaji and the talent level in Badani.

Among a glittering array of present and former cricketers who were present, was former India captain S. Venkatraghavan. Former South Zone off-spinner V. Ramnarayan, participated in the function.

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