Published: Sep 15, 2016, 12:28 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 15, 2016, 12:28 PM (IST)
Fast bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji has announced his retirement from First-Class cricket. He will however continue to play in the leagues and also in the ongoing inaugural edition of Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). Balaji last played in First-Class cricket for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy final 2014-15, which Tamil Nadu lost to Karnataka. He took up the role of a bowling coach along with being a player for Tamil Nadu in the previous season, but did not play a single game for his side. Balaji was the captain when Tamil Nadu played the Ranji Trophy final n 2011-12, but ended up on the losing side.
“I have decided to move on, it’s the right time,” Balaji told Wisden India on Thursday (September 15). “But it’s not a complete [retirement] announcement. I’ll continue to play T20s in tournaments like the TNPL,” according to wisdenindia.com. READ: Lakshmipathy Balaji: The smiling assassin whose career has been tormented by injuries
Balaji has picked up 330 wickets in his 106 First-Class appearances. He also has 145 List A wickets from his 100 games. Balaji has represented India in all formats. He has played eight Tests , picking up 27 wickets and also 20 One-Day Internationals (ODI), claiming 34 wickets. In his five T20 Internationals (T20I), he has bagged 10 wickets. His last appearance for India was in 2012 in the World T20 in Sri Lanka.
Talking about his future, Balaji said, “I’m yet to decide whether to continue as bowling coach,” said Balaji, who is currently playing in the inaugural TNPL. “After this tournament [TNPL] ends, I’ll think about it and decide. I have a young family, will discuss with them and the board and make a call.”
