Young seam bowler Laxmipathy Balaji, who played a vitalpart in India's first away series win against Pakistan, credited coach JohnWright for his superb performance across the border.
On his return from Pakistan, the 22-year-old Tamil Nadustar attributed his performance to Wright's "fatherly advise" anduseful tips from senior colleagues.
"Wright in particular motivated me often with hispep talk like 'You are too good a bowler. You are better than others'.... Apartfrom motivating me with such words, he also taught me to bowl differently todifferent batsmen," Balaji said.
The youngster emerged as a key strike bowler for Indiain the absence of the injured Zaheer Khan, taking six wickets in the ODIs and 12in the three Tests against Pakistan.
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He also came good with useful knocks on a couple ofoccasions in the one-dayers, including the memorable six off Shoaib Akhtar,which won him praise from none other than Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf.
Balaji, whose childhood dream was to play for thecountry, is well aware of the need for a fast bowler to maintain fitness.
He also wants to focus on improving his batting skills,apparently setting his sight on emulating the legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev.
"Hard work on fitness by running and physical exercises keeps me fit. Atthis level only the fittest survive and I say this to myself when I retire tobed every night," Balaji said.
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Stating that there was no substitute to hard work, thelanky fast bowler said he had been following the rigid schedule of physicaltraining laid down by the team trainer.
Balaji, whose absence in the Tamil Nadu team was feltin their Ranji Trophy final against Mumbai last month, was also veryappreciative of his seniors.
He said frequent bowling tips from captain SauravGanguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble helped him to remainfocussed.
"As for the Pakistan tour and the seniors' tips, Iwas gaining ground and confidence match by match. With the confidence levelimproving, the rhythm and motivation also improved. These gave a boost to myperformance every time I bowled," he said.
On his interaction with former Pakistani speedsterWaqar Younis, Balaji said "I spent just about two minutes with him. Isought suggestions on how to maintain a tight line and length while bowling to aright-left combination of batsmen and also on strengthening my leg."
Dedicating his success to all his well-wishers, Balaji, who was lucky to havewon the berth in the Indian team for the Australian tour after Mumbai's AvishkarSalvi pulled out due to an injury, said he was able to show maturity thanks tothe advise from seniors.
For Balaji, being a member of both the ODI and Testsquads that registered the memorable series win in Pakistan, is more than adream come true.
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"My mother used to tell me that India shoulddefeat Pakistan. To be actually part of the series winning team has made be veryhappy," he said.
Balaji said the 15-day fitness camp in Bangalore wherethe focus was on physical training and no cricket helped him. "I alwaysfollow the same schedule to be fit."
On his future plans, Balaji said after a fortnight'srest, he would resume rigorous practice and physical exercises.
PTI
