Former Indian pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji has decided to bid adieu to his first-class career. The pacer, who is best known for his heroics during India’s historic tour of Pakistan in 2003-04 said that he wants to spend more time with his family but will continue to play in T20 leagues.
“I have to move on, have a young family now. I have given it all during my 16 years as a first class cricketer. I will be playing in the shorter forms of the game in competitions such as the TNPL and IPL,” Balaji told The Hindu on Wednesday.
The pacer’s career was marred by injuries but he never gave up and was one of the most impressive performers in the domestic circuit. Balaji revealed that he always looked up to fellow Indian bowler Anil Kumble for motivation.
“I would ask myself how Kumble would deal with it. Then I would get my answer,” Balaji said.
The pacer made a disastrous debut in the One-Day Internationals when he was hit for 44 runs in his 4 overs but he made up for it by his brilliant display in Pakistan. Apart from his performance, he made a lot of fans during that series by his entertaining batting and smile. He was particularly lethal during the third Test in Rawalpindi, where he consistently swung the ball away, and took 4 for 63 – his career best at that time.
Recalling that Test where he dismissed Inzamam Ul Haq, he said: “It was a late outswinger, Inzamam nicked it and I would never forget that moment. We won the Test and the series, for the first time in Pakistan.”
The pacer said that his fellow pacer Zaheer Khan guided him during his career.
“Zak would constant share his ideas with me, encourage me. He is a fine person,” Balaji said.
Another person who played an important role in his career was former India coach John Wright.
“I was very young, just around 20, when I played for India. John really believed in me and made me believe in myself.”
Despite impressing with his bowling, Balaji could not enjoy a long Test career and retired only two years after making his debut in 2003. Overall, he played eight Tests and took 27 wickets
He has a better record in first-class cricket where he claimed 330 scalps in 106 matches at 26.10. The 34-year old made his debut for Tamil Nadu against Colombo Districts Cricket Association XI. He grabbed the attentions straightaway with figures of 9-5-9-3.
Talking about his plans to bowl in the Indian conditions, he said:“It is hard for pacemen in Indian conditions. You got to be attacking, swing and reverse swing, bowl yorkers and use the short ball cleverly.”
Balaji, who is currently the bowling coach of Tamil Nadu Ranji side, thanked the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and other members for guiding him throughout his career.
“I want to thank the TNCA and all those cricketers and coaches who guided me,” he said.