Knock, knock … It’s Badani at the selectors’ door

Badani seems quite content on his comeback challenge. ‘‘I have done my part. Now it is upto them (read selectors),’’ he said while speaking to The Indian Express from his residence in Chennai after his arrival from Bangalore on Friday evening.

Former Test star and India A coach Sandeep Patil, who observed Badani’s progress during the team’s England tour and later during the Challenger makes no bones about where the Chennai lad is heading. ‘‘I’m sure on his current form, which began with the Ranji Trophy, the India A tour to England and the last two innings at the Challenger, he becomes a strong contender to be included in the India team. I would be happy to see a player like Badani in the Indian team. Plus, he is an extraordinary fielder.’’

Patil feels that the ball is now in the selectors’ court. ‘‘These are my views but the final decision rests with the selectors, the coach and the Indian captain.’’

Badani averaged 106 in the one-day matches during the England tour with a cent per cent strike rate. ‘‘He was consistent, looked impressive and was at times explosive,’’ opined Patil while summing up Badani’s performances.

Badani, however, says he did not set out with any targets. ‘‘I normally do not set any goals. But there is always an urge to go out in the middle and get runs. I have done quite well in that aspect.’’

Dismissing notions that he has rung in changes to his batting style, he says, ‘‘it is just that when you come out of a rough patch people start seeing changes. My batting style has always remained the same. It is a matter of fine tuning the mind and becoming a little more disciplined.’’

Badani feels the conditioning camp has been a big boost. ‘‘It was really extensive, quite tiring at times but very helpful. The Board should be complimented for such an effort.’’

For the moment, Badani is looking forward to the season ahead. ‘‘I will continue to play cricket and get the runs.’’