The setting at the IIT-Chemplast ground is compelling. A soothing breeze blows across the lush green arena with a charming red pavilion standing sentinel. At the adjoining nets, a young, bearded man slugs it out at the nets with his coach. Murali Vijay is honing his skills under the eyes of G. Jayakumar.
Vijay is keen and enthusiastic. He wants to squeeze in more practice before the light fades. He realises every moment is precious. Sweat streams down his face. The tattoos on his arms gleam under the evening sun. His light eyes are focussed on the ball.
At present, the opener is working on a crucial aspect of his game. Vijay is striving for a higher but a straighter back-lift that will lend greater balance to his strokes. He comprehends well that body balance dictates the quality of batsmanship. A straighter back-lift would also result in him playing closer to his body which would not only eliminate the risks but increase the range of his stroke-play.
Ups and downs
These are not the easiest of days for the 26-year-old Vijay though. He has lost his place in the Indian ODI team and has not quite grabbed his chances in the twenty20 format either.
Vijay's ability has never been in question. He is a smooth-stroking batsman with poise and timing. Vijay must, however, learn to handle different situations better. International cricket probes your temperament. Under the circumstances, the Cricketer of the Year award from the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association has come as a shaft of light for Vijay.
He is thrilled by the honour. “I grew up dreaming to play for the State one day, I wanted to wear the Tamil Nadu cap,” he says, a smile crossing his visage. “And when I saw the former State cricketers applauding me as I walked up to receive the award, it was just wonderful. It was a very special feeling and an honour,” reveals Vijay.
Indeed, Vijay was impressive for Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy. He topped the averages with 532 runs from five matches at 88.66. Among his runs were two away hundreds in Mumbai and Punjab.
But then, Tamil Nadu disappointed once again in the Ranji Trophy last season, going down to a depleted Delhi side in Delhi in the quarterfinal after holding all the aces. The previous year, Tamil Nadu conceded the decisive lead to Uttar Pradesh in the semifinal after dominating for most part.
Vijay is honest with his answers. “We need to play the big games better collectively. There are some individual performances but we are not able to put it all together.”
He then makes a significant statement. “We need to be more aggressive, in our body language on the field and in our attitude. We need to dominate our opponents mentally in the big games, hustle them. We need to be ruthless. That is not happening.”
Vijay is right. Tamil Nadu has lost vital knock-out matches in the mind. It has loosened its grip at vital stages, not handled pressure situations with strength of mind and purpose.
Having had the opportunity to lead Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy last season when Dinesh Karthik was away on National duty, Vijay should know. “There is a lot of ability in the side; we need to put it all together. Hopefully, we will win the Ranji Trophy next year.”
Captaincy, he feels, has matured him as a cricketer. Among the youngsters in the side, Vijay is pleased with left-arm spinner Aushik Srinivas. “He keeps it there, turns the ball and has a good temperament. I think he has a lot more to offer.”
Tamil Nadu excelled in the one-day format, retaining the Vijay Hazare trophy. Vijay played in two of the matches during the State's victorious campaign, notching up 126 runs at 63.00. Vijay was impressive too for the triumphant Chennai Super Kings during the IPL, playing some remarkably attacking innings without deserting his basics. “I played my natural game without putting too much stress on myself. I was able to express myself better,” he says.
He is not content with IPL fame and money as he chases glory for Tamil Nadu and India. Vijay's Test record of 234 runs in five matches at 33.42 is a fair one for someone starting his career. His innings of 87 against Sri Lanka in Mumbai last year was a sublime one of fluid placements.
During the conversation, Vijay's quest for excellence comes through strongly. He should be back in the hunt soon.
