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Set for a new innings
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"I just want to get to the nets and bowl," says Lakshmipathy Balaji recovering from an injury he sustained during the Champions Trophy
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In fit form: Lakshmipathy Balaji — Pic. by R. Ragu
LAKSHMIPATHY BALAJI hopes to ring in his return to competitive cricket with the last two Elite-B league matches of the Ranji Trophy, scheduled for the fourth week of December.
The Indian speedster, laid low by an injury in the abdomen since the Champions Trophy in September, expects to resume bowling by the second week of this month.
"I took a scan last week. The inflammation is minimal now. I have recovered 75 per cent. Andrew Leipus (Indian cricket team's physio) had said the recovery would take six months. But my body has responded very well," said the strapping paceman.
"I'm happy just to be striding," said Balaji, as he went through his fitness paces at the Pace Foundation recently. "You know, it had been painful two months ago."
Experts say this sort of injury (osteitis pubis) requires more rest than rehabilitation. More important, it requires patience. "I did a lot of aqua therapy under the guidance of Dr. Kannan Pugalendhi, and strengthening exercises at The Edge under Ramji (fitness trainer). The treatment is complete," said the 23-year-old.
Come to think of it, this is the first injury of a serious kind that Balaji has faced. "I've never missed a match owing to injury... never been off bowling for so long, even during my tennis ball-cricket days. Not being able to play is very depressing. But then, it does not make sense to rush the recovery process," he said.
A challenging phase
"I kept myself busy over the last two months, spending three hours every morning doing aqua and physio at the YMCA and three hours in the evening working on strength building and agility. I took this phase as a challenge."
Balaji also used the time watching videos of his bowling. "I did a lot of that. But for now, I want to get to the nets and bowl."
Balaji has been keenly following Tamil Nadu's fortunes in the Ranji Trophy, as well as the Indian team through the series against Australia and currently South Africa. "I am sure India will bounce back," said Balaji about the trough that the National side has hit.
About Tamil Nadu's showing, Balaji said, "The boys are doing well. We finished runner-up in the National championship the last two years. Hopefully, we'll win it this time."
Balaji, who made an impact during the tour of Pakistan last season, hopes to return to the international arena during the home series against Pakistan in February-March.
"I'm not looking that far. For now, I only have Ranji Trophy on my mind."
SANJAY RAJAN
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