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Staging a comeback
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Art of Living and family life have transformed me a lot, says Hemang Badani, the southpaw from Tamil Nadu. Besides, the India-A vice-captaincy in the current England tour has given his career the much-needed boost.
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WHILE IT'S true that man is changing all the time, there are certain moments when the change becomes noticeable.
Hemang Badani, the southpaw from Tamil Nadu who has been named vice-captain of the India-A team (captain for one day matches) which is touring England shortly, believes that life's experiences, especially over the last year or so, has taught him quite a bit.
"You know, it is frustrating when you are out of the side. A combination of injury and bad form cost me my place in the National team (his last limited-overs international was against England in Mumbai in 01-02).
"I'm grateful to my family for standing by me after I was dropped, for believing that I can get back. As you know, a comeback is always far more difficult than getting there,'' said Badani, who has played 29 ODIs and four Test matches.
"It's a phase that can test your self-belief. For, most guys that you meet, socially or otherwise, give you the vibes that they don't believe that you can get back. You know, guys tell me since India did so well in the World Cup, the side wouldn't be changed. Fine, accepted. But that doesn't mean that I can't stage a comeback? Being picked for the recent India-A tour of the Caribbean and the tour of the U.K. is a morale-booster," said Badani, who has a limited-overs century against Australia to his credit (a moment, which he says, he'll cherish all his life).
"I was introduced to Art of Living. It has made me a lot calmer. I'm not the brash and aggressive guy that I was. Family life, especially after the arrival of Hrishit, who is eight months old now, has taught me to be patient," said the hip-hop and rap buff, whose favourite artistes are LL Cool J, Coolio and Snoop Doggy Dog. It wouldn't be wrong to say that the Wankhede Stadium has done more to Badani than to most Mumbai cricketers. Two of his best innings in the National championship have come there. While the first (162) saw him earn a place in the National side, the other (56 and 109), in the Ranji Trophy final this year, has given his career the much needed boost as well as the India-A vice-captaincy.
Sadly though his best knocks did not win the matches. "Losing on both occasions was heart-breaking. The first time out (1999-2000 Ranji semifinal) it was one man, Sachin Tendulkar, who took it away from us with a masterful double hundred.
"This time, he wasn't there. But we batted poorly in the first innings and bowled ordinarily in the second. I knew it had to be Sriram or me who'll have to grind the opposition down or get the runs. But then, we failed to draw the game, which would have sufficed after having got the first innings lead," said the Tom Hanks/Julia Roberts fan.
Notching up a century against Mumbai in Mumbai is considered an achievement and Badani, known as `Sait' to friends, has done it twice.
Why is it considered tough? "It's the pressure as it is invariably a big game with former greats watching you. You know, a performance there makes a difference to your career," said Badani, whose favourite authors are John Grisham and Jeffrey Archer.
"I never had a century in mind. The first time out it just happened. This time, my focus was on winning the game. We had worked hard to make it to the final, and I wanted to win it for the team. It was my first final, you know.
"I like challenges... like to perform when it matters. I've always believed that your calibre shows when you deliver under pressure. But then, getting runs all the time is also an art.
"I've always believed that when you play for the team, you are doing better for yourself.
"Every time I walk out to bat, be it for the club, state or the country, I'm proud and honoured and want to live up to it. The team is always primary to me."
Stardom hasn't changed his life. He can still be seen at his usual Saturday night hang-outs which alternates between Dublin, Sparks, Vijay Sports Café, Match-point or a quiet dinner with his wife at Eden.
A routine day during the season is physical training in the morning; spend time with his son in the afternoon followed by practice and gym work. He never misses out on taking 100 catches and half an hour of fielding drills everyday. No wonder he is among the better fielders in the country.
The tour of the Caribbean didn't go right for him. "I was out of form to begin with. Then a groin strain put me out for three games. I finished with just one half century, against Guyana."
He struck form on his return; beginning with a century in the only Duleep Trophy game he played (for Elite-C) this season. He said he is confident of doing well in England. "It's an honour to represent India-A. The team always comes first."
SANJAY RAJAN
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