Lakshmipathy Balaji, often simply known as Balaji, is one of those cricketers who left a lasting impression on those who watched him play. Punters can start online betting in Pakistan on different cricket players from all across the world.
Born on September 27, 1981, in Chennai, this right-arm medium-fast bowler was known for his infectious smile and knack for swinging the ball in conditions where others would struggle.
Balaji burst onto the international scene in 2003 during India’s tour of New Zealand. But his real breakthrough came during the historic 2004 tour of Pakistan. By the way, you can also start online betting in 1xBet Pakistan on matches between all those national sides too.
It was a series full of tension and high stakes, and Balaji rose to the occasion. His 3rd Test at Rawalpindi is just unforgettable. He bowled with both precision and heart, picking up a crucial 7 wickets across two innings, including a 4/63 in the first. Those wickets were essential to India’s series win.
A great batter too
But it wasn’t just his bowling that endeared him to fans. Instead, Balaji was a cult hero for his cheeky lower-order batting too. You can also try Pakistan bet app from the 1xBet platform in order to wager on other great batters.
His six off Shoaib Akhtar during that series, a top-edge that flew over the boundary is still replayed fondly by fans. He wasn’t your typical tailender. Instead, he had a couple of handy knocks in him, like the 35 not out he scored in the same Rawalpindi Test. The Pakistan betting app from 1xBet can also be tried to wager on whether someone will score a six too.
Other national side aspects
In ODIs, Balaji managed to pick up 34 wickets in 30 matches, with an economy rate hovering around 5.5, which was quite decent in the early 2000s. An easy bet in cricket can always be made at 1xBet on these kinds of matches.
Injuries, unfortunately, were his constant companion and often kept him out of the team. But he was a fighter. He always came back, like in the 2012 IPL when he took 11 wickets in 9 matches for Kolkata Knight Riders and played a vital role in their title win.
Regarding his international career, some things that can be mentioned include:
- 27 wickets;
- 8 matches;
- and an average of 37.18
But Balaji was much more than just numbers. He represented resilience and the classic underdog spirit. He’s now a respected coach, guiding young talents with the same passion he had as a player. There are easy bets in cricket available at the 1xBet platform, where it is always possible to wager on Test matches too.
