Former Indian pacer L Balaji calls it a day

34-year old Indian pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji has called time on his career after almost 16 years. While Balaji is remembered for his unequivocal smile, he has succeeded in sending shivers down the spine of many a batsman in his time. However, at the age of 34, Balaji will be looking to take some time off from his cricketing commitments to focus on a new chapter in his life as a family man.

“I have to move on, have a young family now. I have given it all during my 16 years as a first class cricketer. I will be playing in the shorter forms of the game in competitions such as the TNPL and IPL,” Balaji said in a chat with The Hindu here on Wednesday.

Lakshimathy Balaji also opened up about his life as a cricketer. He also went on to add that Anil Kumble was the player he looked up to in his playing days. “I would ask myself how Kumble would deal with it. Then I would get my answer,” Balaji said.

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Speaking about his impressive performance in the 2004 tour of Pakistan, Balaji said, “I had come back from an injury and bowled with a re-modelled action. I was generating good pace and took out Younis Khan with a mean one. Zaheer Khan was the fellow paceman who guided Balaji during his career. “Zak would constant share his ideas with me, encourage me. He is a fine person.”

Finally, he also went on to add the impact India coach John Wright had on him as well as thanked the TNCA for the opportunities he received. “I was very young, just around 20, when I played for India. John really believed in me and made me believe in myself.”

“It is hard for pacemen in Indian conditions. You got to be attacking, swing and reverse swing, bowl yorkers and use the short ball cleverly,” said Balaji.

“I want to thank the TNCA and all those cricketers and coaches who guided me,” he said. Balaji is also likely to continue as the bowling coach of the Tamil Nadu Ranji side.