The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Balaji returns to action

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Aug 26, 2006

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Sport - Cricket

Balaji returns to action

S. Dinakar

Chennai: Even in his darkest hour, Lakshmipathy Balaji never lost his self-belief. He was able to discern motes of light and keep the fire burning. In Balaji's journey, one stretch ends and another begins.

He will be back on the cricketing arena on Saturday, after a break of eight months, when he turns out for SPIC-TNCA XI against Andhra in the semifinal of the Mindteck-Buchi Babu tournament.

It was in November last year that the 24-year-old paceman was diagnosed with a side strain. It proved an injury, which was more serious — a stress fracture of the back.

The road back to fitness has been hard for Balaji. He has retained motivational levels, stayed positive and focussed.

He told The Hindu, here, on Friday, "I will be seeking to find my rhythm in a match situation. It will be great playing again. The last few months have not been easy, but I am glad they are behind me now."

How would the lanky paceman's body cope with the demands of playing in a match? Replies Balaji, "I have been training as if I am bowling in a match, in four and six-over spells. I have not felt any pain or discomfort."

Confident

He is also confident that he would be able to regain his pace. "I am generating good speed now. I am, probably, bowling at about 90 per cent of my pace. I have been following the routine given to me by John Gloster (Indian team physio). I have become stronger."

Balaji has also brought about subtle changes in his technique; he has done away with the slight body twist in his action, which might have put pressure on his back.

Indeed, injuries can enable a paceman evolve. Balaji has been working to add more deliveries to his repertoire. He has a natural away going delivery to the right-hander and can bring the ball in too.

Balaji spent useful time with the Indian team during the skills camp in Bangalore ahead of the Sri Lankan tour. "They were all very welcoming and warm. They were also surprised at how quickly I had recovered. All of them were supportive during what was a difficult phase for me. I constantly got calls from them to keep my spirits up," he said.

The paceman last played for India in a one-dayer against Sri Lanka at Dambulla in August 2005. He has 27 wickets in eight Tests at 37.18. He has represented the country in 29 one-day matches, picking up 34 wickets at 38.58.

Balaji believes there is more to come from him. Adversity can make a person tougher.

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