It was difficult to say as to what was more eye-catching at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday morning: the bright canary yellow of the Tamil Nadu training jersey or their captains pearly-whites. His characteristic toothpaste-ad smile has been a constant,even as a lot has changed about Lakshmipathy Balaji and his cricket over the last eight years. Crowds dont go into a delirium anymore when he walks out to bat. Stories of his fan-following in Pakistan and chants of Balaji dheere chalo have since faded away. Recurring back spasms have slowed his pace down,though he still continues to be his teams premier new-ball bowler,taking 16 wickets at 26 this season. But with eight Tests and 30 ODIs,the 30-year-olds international career,which promised so much,can be classified as one where he failed to fulfill his potential. The lanky pacer is not the only one with an India cap in the Tamil Nadu line-up who is yet to live up to the expectations. But unlike Balaji,Subramaniam Badrinath,Murali Vijay and Dinesh Karthik are still not totally out of contention for a recall. Unfulfilled potential In a way,flattering to deceive has been the story of the Tamil Nadu team itself in the Ranji Trophy,especially in the last 25 years. Tamil Nadus semi-final clash against Mumbai,which kicks off at Wankhede on Tuesday,will be their eighth semi-final since the 1987-88 season,when they last won the title. And many believe this is their best chance to overcome the 39-times champions Mumbai in a knockout fixture in many years. Despite the return of Abhishek Nayar,Mumbais batting still wears a vulnerable look,especially in comparison to the experience and talent in the visitors top-order. When you look at the TN sides that have played in the last 25 years,it is surprising that there arent more Ranji titles in their kitty, says former captain and coach WV Raman. The former opener was part of the Tamil Nadu team when they last picked up the Ranji title,and was in-charge of the team that fell at the last hurdle in the 1991-92 season to Delhi. The TN players have tended to over-analyse their games and match-situations. They have quite often failed to numb their anxiety and keep cool in crunch situations, he adds. Not overawed One batsman who hasnt been overawed by Mumbais reputation is Badrinath,as his average of 58.64 in nine matches suggests. And he believes that the present lot have made enough strides this season to right the wrongs of the recent past. We have clicked in all three departments and are very confident of making it through, says Badrinath. The calm that Balaji brings to the dressing-room as skipper could well prove vital,asserts Badrinath. Our batting has always been stocked. The bowling has been a slight chink. But under Balaji,the young bowlers have really come to the party,and he has led by example, adds the right-hander. With 20 wickets each,pacers Jagannathan Kaushik,in his first season,and Yo Mahesh have certainly flourished under their affable leader. And Balajis smile will grow only wider if he manages to inspire his team to rewrite history over the next two weeks.
