Indian all-rounder Stuart Binny has insisted that criticism does not upset him. The 32-year old is one of the most promising seam bowling all-rounders in the country and have been one of the best players for Karnataka in domestic circuit over the past decade.
However, he failed to replicate the same form when called upon to the national side as he failed multiple times to seal his place in the team which has made him the subject of criticism on several occasions over the past few years.
The veteran all-rounder has scored runs and has taken wickets in domestic circuit as he recently played a very well made 98 when his side India Red were in a difficult situation against India Blue. However, he was dropped from the test squad on the same day.
“It (that innings) was difficult, especially with the news coming in that I was left out of the Test team,” Binny said. “I think it was about me proving to some people that being left out isn’t the end of the road for me. It was a battle where I had to put my foot down, head down, and prove myself.
“I heard the news when I walked in,” he added. “It wasn’t a morning game anyway. So we got the news after the selection meeting at 1 pm. I still don’t think the innings was connected to me being dropped. It fell in place that day when I scored 98. Even then, people had mixed opinions on how I batted. It doesn’t matter now. To me, what matters is that I do my part take wickets and look to score runs.”
Over the years, he had the backing of captains like MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli and he has turned up to the situation once in a while but has never been to his best as he failed to reach the expectations that were levied on him.
“I have gone through it (criticism) ever since I began playing,” he said, referring to the way people respond to his place in the Indian team. “There are people that come and tell you this happened. I don’t throw a fit. There’s no point getting upset. I know how I can contribute to Karnataka and Indian cricket team. That’s for me to decide.”
Talking about his 98 runs knock for India Red in Duleep Trophy earlier this spring, Binny said he is ready to alter his game if needed based on the situation.
“I didn’t play my regular game in the first hour when the score was 67 for 4,” he said.
“I played 52 balls and scored just 10 runs. I don’t tend to do that normally. At that time, it was needed because the team was struggling and we (along with Gurkeerat) had to stitch a partnership.
“Then I moved into my game when the spinners came in. But even then, there were mixed opinions about the initial play.”