Surprised Balaji glad to be back

Laxmipathy Balajis fairytale just took another memorable twist,when he was picked to fly to Sri Lanka as a replacement for the injured Munaf Patel.

Laxmipathy Balajis fairytale just took another memorable twist,when he was picked to fly to Sri Lanka as a replacement for the injured Munaf Patel. The hero of Indias 2004 tour of Pakistan,Balajis career seemed finished when he underwent back surgery. At the time,in 2006,doctors told him there was little chance he would bowl again.

I was not hoping for it… I had no expectations of getting an India call-up, Balaji told The Indian Express on Monday. I just wanted to enjoy my game. After the surgery,I knew that I would take some time to make a comeback. It was a process that I had to undergo.

And what a comeback it has been. Beating all odds,he made a remarkable return into the limelight at last seasons Indian Premier League,playing his part as the Chennai Super Kings reached the final. He also picked up a hat-trick against the Delhi Daredevils.

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Bowling with a remodelled action,he seemed to have cut down on his pace,and while he hasnt looked as menacing as he did when at his peak,the numbers prove he has been extremely effective. In the Ranji Trophy this year,he picked up 36 wickets in seven games at a frugal average of 17.5 to put himself in national reckoning again.

I have been bowling well and had a decent domestic season so far,the performance was recognised, said Balaji,who was discussed at the meeting to select the team to Lanka,but was pipped to the squad by the man he is now replacing. Ironically,it was in Lanka that Balaji last represented India,in a one-dayer back in 2005.

Im not thinking about anything right now. I havent made any specific plans. If I get a chance,I will just try my best. The only thing going through my mind is to reach Lanka as soon as possible.