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A new exciting venture, says Badani

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Hemang Badani, the former Tamil Nadu captain, said his decision to join the Indian Cricket League (ICL) stemmed from a desire to play a level of cricket higher than the Ranji Trophy.

“The chances of my playing for India are remote,” said the 30-year-old, who has played four Tests and 40 ODIs. “I’m not happy just playing the Ranji Trophy. Having played at a higher level, it’s tough to find the motivation when there are no guarantees with playing for the State.”

“Here (in the ICL) I get to play with the big boys, even if some say they are past their prime. It’s not only them, ICL is getting younger cricketers from other countries, (but) I can’t talk about it. It’s a new exciting venture for me.”

Some of the cricketers with the ICL have said their decision was triggered by a sense of frustration with the system, but Badani chose to play it down. “I’m not the only one,” said the left-hander.

“Everyone has issues with the board or the TNCA (Tamil Nadu Cricket Association) at some point, which is entirely normal. When you play for more than ten years, there will be grouses, but I don’t think anyone has targeted me. I’ve had some good moments, and am also thankful to my company, Chemplast, for their support.”

No cause for concern

With Badani’s departure following the exits of all-rounder R. Satish and fast-medium bowlers G. Vignesh and R. Jesuraj, Tamil Nadu is set to lose close to ten active cricketers, but the TNCA sees no cause for concern.

TNCA secretary K. Viswanathan said, “I don’t think we are affected in a big way. I admit we are losing Satish, Vignesh, Badani, Kumaran, and Jesuraj, but except for Jesu — and even he didn’t play all the games — the players have been in and out of the side. I don’t think it will materially affect the composition of the side.”

Was the TNCA considering measures to prevent an exodus? “That’s left to the players,” said Viswanthan. “We don’t interfere — we have always said they can choose where they want to play.”

State coach W.V. Raman chose to wait and watch. “Except for the fact that these cricketers have joined the ICL, everything else is up in the air,” said Raman.

“We’ll have to wait till the situation becomes concrete and take it from there. With the KSCA Trophy and Buchi Babu and Moin-ud-Dowlah, we’ll see how youngsters, who are being pitch-forked, cope.”

Raman said his plans for the forthcoming Ranji season were on track: “We have time enough for training, and that part of the plan is still on course. There’s always been talent; it’s all about the results, and that’s what we’ll have to see.”

A challenge

Tamil Nadu captain S. Badrinath, back after a successful tour of Zimbabwe and Kenya with India ‘A’, said, “Many players have left, but I think there is enough talent coming through.”

He admitted that leading a young side would be a challenge.

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