L Balaji indicates that his playing days are past him, not feature in TNPL

Former India pacer L Balaji has ruled himself out of the ongoing TNPL. The 35-year old announced his retirement from cricket last September and is not keen on reversing his decision. He was picked to be the bowling coach for Kolkata Knight Riders this year when Wasim Akram made himself unavailable for the season.

Great season in TNPL last year

The medium-pacer was a part of the Albert Tuti Patriots franchise last year and did a reasonable job for them, picking 11 sticks from 8 games at an economy rate of 5.92 including a memorable spell of 5/18. Tuti Patriots have named S Aravind as a replacement for Balaji, a left-handed opening batsman who could bowl left-arm spin as well. Balaji, however, would remain a part of the franchise as a support staff.

“Coaching gives me fulfillment’

Balaji was picked up as a player-cum bowler role in the Tamil Nadu side but did not feature in a single game. The team went on to play the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy besides winning two 50-over titles. The former right-hand bowler is quite content with the role of coaching as he gets a sense of fulfillment while doing it.

In a chat with The Hindu some time back, Balaji indicated that his playing days were over. “I am very happy spending time with the emerging bowlers, enabling them to hone their skills. I get a sense of fulfillment from that. I don’t quite have the same motivation for playing.”

Balaji also enjoys the role of being a commentator, something he does when he is not coaching. He was seen commentating during the TNPL game on Saturday at the Chepauk. One of the biggest regrets of his career was not playing a big part in the Ranji Trophy winning team for Tamil Nadu.

The medium pacer played in 8 Tests, 30 ODIs and 5 T20s picking 27, 34 and 10 wickets respectively between 2003 and 2012. Balaji would have had a longer career if he hadn’t had so many injuries while his playing days. He bounced back every single time but couldn’t have a long international career due to them.