CHENNAI: Former Indian cricketer Hemang Badani, once a regular with the Tamil Nadu side, is pleased that he will be playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL III after having taken the BCCI’s amnesty offer and quitting the Indian Cricket League. He is looking forward to play for Chennai again and in particular play some competitive cricket for the city where he grew up.
“It feels nice to play competitive cricket again. At the ICL I did get exposure to the T20 format.
But without not many matches I felt depressed. The IPL and the Chennai league where I play for Grand Slam is the best thing that has happened to me at this phase of my career,” said Badani.
“Being a professional cricketer for more than 10 years I am used to playing at least 10 months in a year. At ICL I hardly got to play for 2 to 3 months. It was frustrating and we could do nothing about it. I am glad to have come out and will play some quality club cricket and hopefully for CSK,” added Badani.
As the equation has changed drastically at all levels in the country. How does he fit into the new scheme of things.
“I signed for Rajasthan and was looking forward to play Ranji. The infighting in the association saw to that the team did not play. I lost a good opportunity to play first class cricket.
Now that the problem has been resolved I will play for them in the Ranji one-dayers from Feb 10,’’ said Badani.
“As far as CSK goes they (management) have said they are keen on me. I am sure they will utilise my services. If and when I get an opportunity to play for CSK I will give my best.
I am in good shape, I call bowl a bit and I am fielding well too,’’ added Badani saying that he is game for another fling with competitive cricket.
How about his form? “Well, I have made 500 odd runs for my club Grand Slam who are in the top three in the table. I am looking forward to interact with Dhoni who has been leading the country with example. It will be a honour to share the dressing room with the likes of Muralidharan, Hayden and so on,’’ signed off Badani.
