During the hours preceding his debut Test, Subramaniam Badrinath was in a flutter. “I was playing out worst scenarios in my mind. Getting out for a blob; worse still, floundering in the middle!”
Heaps of runs for Tamil Nadu and India ‘A' in successive seasons earned Badrinath a place in the ODI squad against Australia in 2007. It turned out to be a mirage, for he did not get to play even in a single match. He was ignored for the following series against Pakistan. Almost a year later, an injury to Sachin gave Badrinath a look-in. He performed in his debut ODI against Sri Lanka. This showing, and consistent performances in first-class cricket secured him a berth in the Test squad touring Australia (2008-2009) — but, he never made it to the playing 11. The wait finally ended this February, when he was called to fill a middle-order slot against the South Africans in Nagpur.
But, on the threshold of a long-awaited Test debut, Badrinath suffered the worst case of nerves. He felt like an actor who rehearses for months, but at the final moment fears he'll flub his lines. Swallowing his pride, Badrinath told Sachin Tendulkar that he was engulfed by nervousness. That makes it the two of us, smiled Sachin. “Every time I play, I get the nerves,” admitted the little master. That did Badrinath a world of good.
In a free-wheeling interview linked to the launch of four cricket bats by Nike (Nike Openor — “for professional cricketers”; Nike Drive — “for those serious about cricket”; Nike Drive II — “designed to take on the rough and tough of club-level cricket; and Nike Junior – “for budding cricketers”), Badrinath talks about the wonderful influences and great times he has had while waiting for the Test cap. “The Indian Premier League gave me international exposure without playing for India. I could bat against Brett Lee or Malinga.” Being in Chennai Super Kings gave him a ringside view of Matthew Hayden's and Michael Hussey's methods.
Hussey had a similarly late start in Test cricket; Badrinath took heart from the Australian's example. He understood that patience and perseverance are bound to pay off. Secure in this belief, he focussed on improving his batsmanship. Working on his skills has been a constant trait. When he started playing, he was more a grafter who cautiously sniped at opposition bowlers. An ability to challenge the opposition to an open combat and dominate them was won by determination. “I began to develop a more attacking style by first trying to flatten weak teams.” In time, stroke-making became second nature to him.
Badri-speak
* Being in the Indian squad and not getting to play was tough. After all the preparation, the anti-climax was hard to deal with.
* Age need not always determine fitness. I am 29, but can challenge anyone younger, to a test of fitness. I don’t have a personal trainer, but make the most of opportunities to work with team physios.
* In my first year at Guru Nanak College, I devoted numerous hours to cricket. Like a man possessed, I practised at the nets for hours on end. Playing on the college ground, excellently maintained by India Cements, was a great experience.
