Lakshmipathy Balaji, fondly known as “Bala,” is a former Indian cricket player who defied the odds to become one of India’s leading fast bowlers. Born on September 27, 1981, in Madras, Tamil Nadu, Balaji’s journey to success was filled with obstacles and setbacks, but his unwavering determination and resilience allowed him to overcome them.
Balaji’s cricket career had a rocky start, as he stumbled through his debut and faced disappointing performances against New Zealand in two home Tests. However, he found redemption during India’s historic tour of Pakistan in 2003-04. In the third Test in Rawalpindi, Balaji showcased his bowling prowess by consistently swinging the ball and taking a career-best 4 for 63. His exceptional performance not only established him as a formidable bowler but also endeared him to crowds with his infectious smile and unbridled passion for the game.
Unfortunately, Balaji’s uphill battle continued when he suffered a stress fracture in 2005, which threatened to end his career. For three years, he was unable to play cricket and went through a daunting back surgery, unsure if he would ever bowl again. However, his unyielding spirit and determination shone through, and he returned to the game during the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. Representing the Chennai Super Kings, Balaji made an immediate impact, taking 11 wickets, including a memorable hat-trick. His successful comeback was further solidified during the Ranji season, where he picked up 36 wickets at an impressive average of 17.50, guiding Tamil Nadu to the semifinals.
The national team eventually welcomed Balaji back into their fold after Munaf Patel suffered a groin injury during a series against Sri Lanka in January 2009. Although he didn’t get a chance to play in the subsequent Test series against New Zealand, Balaji’s leadership skills were recognized when he captained the Tamil Nadu Ranji side. Additionally, his consistent and economical bowling form in the 2012 IPL for the Kolkata Knight Riders earned him a spot in the Twenty20 squad for the home series against New Zealand and the ICC World Twenty20.
Balaji’s distinctive bowling style, characterized by his whippy, quick-arm action, enabled him to deliver variations like quicker deliveries, yorkers, and bouncers without noticeable changes in his technique. His open-chested action, combined with his ability to deceive batsmen by bowling wide from the crease, made him a difficult opponent to handle. Despite undergoing a remodelled action after his injury, Balaji’s innate skills and tricks remained intact.
Throughout his career, Balaji exhibited tremendous resilience, constantly battling through injuries and doubts to prove that he wasn’t a finished article. He served as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers across India, showcasing that persistence, dedication, and an unwavering spirit can help conquer even the toughest challenges.
Though his playing days came to an end, Balaji continues to contribute to the sport as a coach and mentor, passing on his skills and experiences to the next generation of cricketers. His remarkable journey from early setbacks to becoming a prominent figure in Indian cricket stands as a testament to his indomitable spirit and unwavering determination.