Date:19/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/19/stories/2008031954222000.htm

Sport - Cricket

Balaji named in Super Kings squad

CHENNAI: Lakshmipathy Balaji, the talented swing-and-seam bowler who last played for India in 2005, has been included in the Chennai Super Kings squad for the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“It works both ways,” said V.B. Chandrasekhar, head of cricketing matters for the Super Kings. “When he’s fit and bowling well, it’s good for us, while the IPL is a platform to continue his comeback.”

The 26-year-old is in the process of returning to competitive cricket after suffering a stress fracture. Having remodelled his action under Tamil Nadu coach W.V. Raman’s guidance, Balaji has been testing his body in the first division league.

He recently spent time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore, where his fitness was monitored as he increased his workload.

“I’m happy with the progress, but it’s an ongoing process,” said Balaji. “I still need to play more competitive cricket. I’m taking it step by step.”

Balaji also finds a spot in the Tamil Nadu team scheduled to play the all-India one-day knockout tournament for the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Tamil Nadu squad: S. Badrinath (capt.), M. Vijay, Dinesh Karthik, S. Anirudha, K.B. Arun Karthick, R. Ramkumar, R. Prasanna, M.K. Sivakumar, S. Vidyut, C. Ganapathy, R. Ashwin, P. Amarnath, V. Yomahesh, S. Suresh Kumar, and L. Balaji. — Special Correspondent