No more dheerey chalo for Balaji

Every Indian cricketer, in the Test frame or on the peripheries, is up for the Pakistan series. Few, though, will be waiting in as much anti...

Every Indian cricketer, in the Test frame or on the peripheries, is up for the Pakistan series. Few, though, will be waiting in as much anticipation as Laxmipathy Balaji. His early career disrupted by a lengthy lay-off, Balaji is champing at the bit for a bite of the cherry.

Right now, deep into an intriguing Duleep Trophy tie for South against West, Balaji finally seems to be at peace with himself. ‘‘I am getting back my rhythm. I have always tried to give my best and that is what I am trying to pursue even now,’’ he says.

For someone who feels that there’s a lesson to be learnt from every injury, Balaji is confident that he will quickly make up for lost time. ‘‘The competition has not increased now. In fact, it was always there,’’ he says, a reference to Zaheer, Nehra and Pathan. ‘‘The competition is good and it is healthy to have it that way. It keeps you on your toes.’’

He is currently being monitored by the Indian team physio John Gloster. ‘‘He’s getting to know me. He’s very good and hopefully, things will get better with him around,’’ he says.

Balaji returned with figures 2/57 off 19 overs in West Zone’s first innings at Hyderabad. ‘‘It felt good to bowl on a track like this one (Visakha Stadium). The kind of help you can derive from the pitch definitely raises your confidence level.’’

Missing the series against Australia and South Africa at home were a deep disappointment but he seems to have put that behind him. His focus is sharply on the future, on Pakistan. It was the series against the rivals last year that had made Balaji a hero — and a folk hero too — and he is keen to continue the good work.

He’s aware, though, of the Pakistani reputation to fight back. ‘‘They definitely have the ability to bounce back and the Australian series has only made them tougher.’’

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The one lesson he learnt on that trip was to not focus on the stars at the cost of the rookies. ‘‘Remember how Yasir Hameed took us on’’, he says.

Meanwhile, there’s one task he wants to sort out for himself: His batting. One reason why Australia have always been a notch better than Indians in their batting is the sting in their tail. Even Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee are capable of turning a match their way.

That’s what has caught Balaji’s attention. ‘‘The line-up needs to have depth. The tailenders need to contribute in a better way if we have to win more frequently,’’ he says.

And proved it at almost the first opportunity. Batting for South on Tuesday, he knocked off 35 runs in 51 balls, with a six and a four.

Now to translate that into wickets.