“I have made a decision to move on, it’s the right time”, Balaji told Wisden India on Thursday (September 15). In his List A career, he took 145 wickets in 100 matches.
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Although, Balaji featured in only 8 Tests and a handful of ODIs, he shot to fame during the series against Pakistan in 2004 when he smashed a six off Shoaib Akhtar which also resulted in his bat cracking into two halves. “Then I would get my answer”, Balaji said.
Balaji will, however, continue to play in the leagues and also in the ongoing inaugural edition of Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL).
“I’m yet to decide whether to continue as bowling coach”, said Balaji, who is now playing in the inaugural TNPL.
Former India coach John Wright was another person who influenced Balaji’s path. “I had come back from an injury and bowled with a remodelled action”. His global career was often impeded by injuries. Balaji instantly connected with Pakistanis during the 2004 tour. “I was generating good pace and took out Younis Khan with a mean one”.
With Anil Kumble as his cricketing icon, the bowler said he also had help from another Indian bowler and teammate Zaheer Khan during his career. “I was very young, just around 20, when I played for India”. Balaji last played in First-Class cricket for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy.
The 34-year-old played eight Tests for India, picking up 27 wickets at an average of 37.18.
“It is hard for pacemen in Indian conditions”. Balaji also captained the side to the final in the 2011-12 season.
For long, he was the heart and soul of the Tamil Nadu attack, bowling the side to victories from impossible situations.
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“I want to thank the TNCA and all those cricketers and coaches who guided me”, he said.
