Lakshmipathy Balaji retires from domestic cricket but assures to play T20

Former Team India seamer Lakshmipathy Balaji has decided to retire from domestic cricket (First-class and List A matches).

Taking to ‘ESPN Cricinfo’, Balaji said on Friday, “I have taken a decision on not playing senior-level cricket any longer in any format. I have asked the TNCA to not pick me for the Tamil Nadu team this season.”

However, the 34-year-old immediately added that T20 cricket is something he wishes to continue with. “I am still looking to continue playing the smaller leagues, but let's see how it goes,” he said, referring to the protocol bind by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA).

Balaji made his first-class debut for Tamil Nadu in the 2001-02 season. In his first domestic season, the right-arm medium pacer claimed 37 wickets and came in the view of the National team selectors. Balaji eventually got a breakthrough in November 2002 and made his ODI debut against West Indies at Vadodara.

In his early twenties, Balaji was lethal with his swing and accuracy. The 2002-03 season of Ranji Trophy proved to be the most fruitful for the young and unstoppable Indian prodigy. Balaji took 47 wickets to conclude the season as highest wicket-taker.

Balaji’s contribution helped reshape domestic cricket in India 

In his 16-year-long domestic career, Balaji has played 106 First-class and 100 List A matches for Tamil Nadu.

The Chennai-born seamer has taken 330 wickets at an average of 26.10 in his First-class career and claimed 145 wickets at an average of 29.35 playing List A matches.

Balaji remains the highest wicket-taker with 145 wickets from 100 matches.

The Chennai pacer also captained Tamil Nadu for three consecutive seasons from 2011 to 2014 and helped TN reach the finals of the Ranji Trophy.