Tamilnadu Cricket Team | Lakshmipathy Balaji: Lakshmipathi Balaji from Tamil Nadu has emerged as the leading fast bowler in the Indian cricket team. He joined the Indian team in 2002 and has taken 27 wickets in 8 Test matches, 34 wickets in 30 ODI matches and 10 wickets in 5 T20 matches. He participated in 73 IPL matches from 2008 to 2014 and took 76 wickets.
L. While Balaji is currently the assistant coach of the Tamil Nadu cricket team, there are reports that he may be appointed as the head coach of the Tamil Nadu team for the upcoming 2024-25 domestic series. Earlier, Kulathan Kulkarani, who was the coach of the Tamil Nadu cricket team, has resigned from his post and Balaji, who is working as an assistant coach, will be appointed as the new coach of the team.
The Tamil Nadu cricket team led by Kulathan Kulkarani from Mumbai lost to Mumbai in the semifinals of the Ranji Cup cricket series last year. It was also reported that there was a difference of opinion between him and some players including team captain Sai Kishore.
Coach Kulathan Kulkarani accused captain Sai Kishore of winning the toss and batting first in the match against Mumbai. This speech of his has raised strong objections in the Tamil Nadu cricket community. Many ex-players criticized him. Following this, Kulathan Kulkarani resigned from his post stating that he did not want to continue as the coach of the Tamil Nadu team from the next season due to personal reasons.
In this situation, one of the legends of the Tamil Nadu cricket team, L. Balaji will be appointed as the new coach of the team. During his tenure as the team’s assistant coach, Tamil Nadu players mentioned that he not only provided important advice but also emotional support. The Tamil Nadu team he captained finished second in the Ranji Trophy in the 2011-2012 season.
Currently, Balaji is working as the head coach of the Tamil Nadu Colts team, which includes senior players like N Jagatheesan and Pradosh Ranjan Paul, who are on tour in England. “This will be a promotion for Balaji as he worked as an assistant to Kulkarni in the previous season. Balaji is the right person for the post of head coach. Once all the formalities are completed, an announcement will be made soon,” said a Tamil Nadu Cricket Association official.
