I’m getting better with every game: Balaji

By V. Balaji

Chennai, May 11: For Laxmipathy Balaji the IPL was a grand stage to announce his comeback and he did it in style. To take the first hat-trick in the event is special. The distinction was just reward for endless hours at the gym and hard yards in the field. But the man himself does not want to look too far ahead.

"I am happy my hard work is starting to pay dividends. I don’t want to read too much into what has happened in the last two games. I am getting better with my rhythm with every match and it will be a process that will continue," said Balaji.

Threatened with two serious injuries Balaji has done well to stage a comeback. Yuvraj, who shared the dressing room when Balaji was at the peak of his prowess in Pakistan in 2004, is not surprised. He is extremely happy for Balaji. "His spell did us in and this is great news for Indian cricket. It shows how tough he is mentally to be focused for more than two years and fight injuries."

Balaji used the bouncer deceptively well against Punjab Kings XI and it actually helped sow the seeds of doubt in the batsmen’s mind. "Balaji is not the express type anyway. He has always been about moving the ball both ways at decent pace and using subtle change of pace. I am happy for him, he is easily one of the most talented bowlers in the country," said Yuvraj.

With a changed action Balaji looks a different bowler today. His easy action actually gives him more scope to bowl the slower one without telegraphing the intent to the batsmen. Tamil Nadu coach W.V. Raman had worked on a few technical aspects with the pacer and that seems to be paying off. Video analyst Ramki also had his part to play in the revival, carefully putting together what was working for Balaji and cutting out what was not.

"The one area where we worked was his run up. There were too many counter rotations involved, we ensured it was one smooth flow and he ran in straight. I am glad he is amongst wickets, this should propel him further," said Raman.

Playing a host of practice games in Chennai, Balaji planned his comeback well. His stint at the NCA where he was told to undergo a new exercise regime is also working well. The contract India Cements handed to Balaji was a godsend and the seamer is thankful for the opportunity.

Said V.B. Chandrasekar, director of cricket, India Cements, "There has never been any doubt on his ability or talent. It was always a question of when he can be ushered back in. Now that he has got wickets in the first two games it is important for him to continue in the same vein.

"I am looking forward to how he will respond in duration games where he will be tested more. Given his work ethic he should succeed there too. Too much should not be made out of four-over spells but I can assure you it was hard work that has got him back."

The biggest difference between the game against Delhi and Mohali was the strength Balaji gained at the crease. The slower one was used more than once per over at the Kotla while Balaji was not afraid to bend his back a little more in search of bounce at Chepauk. Piyush Chawla found it the hard way as he was knocked on the helmet. Even Yuvraj was not spared. He was shocked to see the first ball he faced from Balaji whiz past his ear.

"I am concentrating on becoming the strongest I possibly can. Once I reach full fitness I am sure I can be a better bowler than what I have ever been," added a confident Balaji.

The packed MAC stadium erupted in joy when Balaji completed the hat-trick. For a state that has only a few names in the national team the return of the smiling speedster is certain to usher in some optimism.