Slow progress for fast bowler, back from injury in Jan

For the past two months, ever since the Champions Trophy in England, Lakshmipathy Balaji has been reduced to following cricket through the p...

For the past two months, ever since the Champions Trophy in England, Lakshmipathy Balaji has been reduced to following cricket through the papers — a departure from the rest of his breed. And the injury he picked up then — osteitis pubis (see box) — will keep him out of top-flight cricket till January.

‘‘I’m currently about 75 per cent fit, but I really don’t want to push myself too much for the moment’’, he told The Indian Express today. ‘‘I’m giving myself one more month before I can start playing but will be 100 per cent only in January.’’

So the Bangladesh tour looks ‘‘doubtful’’, as he puts it. That, added to the agony of watching India lose the Champions Trophy and a 35-year-old record to Australia, and unable to beat South Africa at Kanpur, is enough to make anyone frustrated.

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Not this 24-year-old. ‘‘I take it as part of the game. I have to be strong, face the challenge. All this will only be very good motivation in my career. This injury will only make my mind more strong.’’

Bala’s condition is being monitored by Team India physio Andrew Leipus and Chennai-based physiotherapist Kannan Pugezenthi, attached to the city’s YMCA clinic. ‘‘My treatment is more of physiotherapy. I spend around six hours every a day in the gym, split into two sessions. I’ve even started jogging, and spend time in aqua therapy, cardio vascular exercises and some pushups.’’

Another three weeks, he says, and he should be able to sprint without pain.

His sights are crrently set on a return to action with Ranji Trophy matches from the end of December. ‘‘That (playing) is the best way to show my form and fitness. I love Ranji matches, because it always helps my confidence.’’

He’s happy with how his beloved Tamil Nadu team is doing, and singles out left-arm spinner Ramkumar, in among the wickets, for special praise.

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‘‘He is doing well, isn’t he. Last year we both got wickets. We grew up together and have been very close friends.’’

What about his new friends in Team India? He has this to say: ‘‘They are playing well and they will only do better.’’

Well, his return to the squad certainly won’t hurt.

DOCTOR’S REPORT

		• What is osteitis pubis? Pain and inflammation at the pubic symphysis, the area in the abdomen where the right and left pubic bones meet • How does it occur? Usually from activities that involve repeating the same movement over and over, such as running or jumping • What’s the treatment? Rest until the symptoms go away. Sometimes it takes 2 to 3 months for symptoms to go away. Osteitis pubis requires more rest than rehabilitation and most of all requires patience • When can the sportsman return to his activity? Only when the pain goes away. Too soon may lead to long-term damage.