Lakshmipathy Balaji – India’s Swing Bowling Specialist
Introduction
Lakshmipathy Balaji, a name that resonates with Indian cricket fans, was one of the most promising fast bowlers in the early 2000s. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, Balaji played a crucial role in India's historic series win in Pakistan in 2004. Despite an injury-plagued career, his contributions to Indian cricket remain invaluable.
Here, you’ll find everything about Lakshmipathy Balaji, including career stats, records, IPL performances, and the latest updates.
Lakshmipathy Balaji – Quick Facts
| Attribute |
Details |
| Full Name |
Lakshmipathy Balaji |
| Born |
27 September 1981 (Age 43) |
| Birthplace |
Madras, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Height |
6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Batting Style |
Right-handed |
| Bowling Style |
Right-arm fast medium |
| Role |
Bowler |
| National Team |
India (2002–2012) |
| IPL Teams |
Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab |
Career Statistics
| Format |
Matches |
Wickets |
Bowling Average |
Best Bowling |
Runs Scored |
Batting Average |
| Tests |
8 |
27 |
37.18 |
5/76 |
51 |
5.66 |
| ODIs |
30 |
34 |
39.52 |
4/48 |
120 |
12.00 |
| T20Is |
5 |
10 |
12.10 |
3/19 |
- |
- |
| First-Class |
106 |
330 |
26.10 |
7/42 |
1,202 |
12.14 |
International Career
Debut Matches
- Test Debut: 8 October 2003 vs New Zealand
- ODI Debut: 18 November 2002 vs West Indies
- T20I Debut: 11 September 2012 vs New Zealand
Key Achievements
- Instrumental in India’s 2004 Test series win in Pakistan, taking 12 wickets.
- Recorded his best Test figures of 5/76 against Pakistan in 2005.
- Took a match-winning hat-trick in IPL 2008, becoming the first Indian bowler to do so.
- Was part of India’s squad for the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup, finishing as India’s second-highest wicket-taker.
IPL & Franchise Cricket
Lakshmipathy Balaji was a vital player in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He played for multiple franchises and had some memorable performances.
| Team |
Years Played |
Best IPL Bowling |
Total Wickets |
| Chennai Super Kings |
2008–2010 |
5/24 (hat-trick) |
31 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders |
2011–2013 |
4/18 |
33 |
| Kings XI Punjab |
2014 |
4/13 |
12 |
Key IPL Moments:
- First-ever hat-trick in IPL history (2008)
- Part of CSK’s IPL 2010 winning team
- Won the 2012 IPL title with KKR, helping them beat CSK in the final
Records & Milestones
| Record |
Details |
| First Indian to take an IPL hat-trick |
2008 vs Kings XI Punjab |
| Best Test figures |
5/76 vs Pakistan (2005) |
| Most wickets in 2004 Pakistan Test series |
12 wickets |
| Leading Indian wicket-taker in 2012 ICC T20 World Cup |
9 wickets |
Why Was Lakshmipathy Balaji Special?
Lakshmipathy Balaji was loved by Indian cricket fans not just for his swing bowling but also for his ever-smiling attitude on the field. His ability to swing the ball at pace made him a key weapon in India’s bowling attack during the early 2000s. Even after injuries curtailed his career, he made a strong comeback in domestic cricket and the IPL.
Lakshmipathy Balaji Latest News & Updates
Stay updated with everything about Lakshmipathy Balaji, from his coaching stints to his insights into modern-day cricket. Get real-time updates on:
His role as a coach in Indian domestic cricket
Expert opinions on young Indian fast bowlers
Chennai Super Kings' strategies in the IPL
Check out the Latest News on Lakshmipathy Balaji!