A day after turning 38, former India and Tamil Nadu batsman S. Badrinath announced his retirement from all formats of the game here on Friday. A prolific scorer in the first-class arena with more 10,000 runs, the middle-order batsman played in two Tests, seven ODIs and one T20 for India between 2008 and 2011.
Widely regarded as a technically sound batsman who was known for his grit, he was TN’s ‘Mr Dependable’ for 14 years he was part of the side before spent his last three seasons in Vidarbha (two years) and Hyderabad (one year).
Badri as he was fondly known, however came to prominence through his valuable contributions for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, having been part of the two title winning sides (2010 and 2011).
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Speaking about his career, Badrinath said, “I don't have any regrets in my career. In sportsman’s career, there would be so many things that could have been and couldn't have been, but those are beyond my control.”
His career coincided with the golden era of Indian batting in the 2000’s and had to wait till 2010 to make his Test debut against South Africa in Nagpur.
When asked if there was anything he could have done different for a prolonged international career, the former TN skipper said, “As a batsman, you could only play Test cricket and get better. You need to get a decent run in Test cricket so that you know what you need work on to better yourself. One could never face the quality of international bowlers like Dale Steyn or James Anderson, and no amount of practice or domestic cricket, could prepare you for Test cricket.”
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“End of the day, I tried to be the best I can be always progressing with my batting. I was happy with what I achieved. In hindsight, no one thought I would play T20 cricket. To have played the amount of T20 that I played including for India is something even I would have never dreamed of it myself,” he added.
Speaking about his future plans and chance of taking up a coaching role, Badrinath, who was head coach for TNPL side IDream Karaikudi Kaalai, ruled out taking charge of a first class team in the immediate future.
“As of now I want to spend time with my family. I am also a broadcaster now. Coaching a First-Class team is a long-term commitment of five to six months. But I am not ruling out anything in the future. An IPL role for two or three months is a good option and something I will look into.”
Badrinath’s father Subramaniam and former India pacer and statemate, L. Balaji, who played for nearly two decades with Badrinath right from junior cricket to IPL were also present on the occasion.