Baba Indrajith produced one of the most outstanding innings in Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) history, scoring an unbeaten 96 off 49 balls. His heroic knock led Dindigul Dragons (DD) to successfully chase down a target of 172 against Lyca Kovai Kings (LKK), securing the win with five wickets and four balls to spare. This pivotal performance played a crucial role in the Dragons qualifying for the playoffs, highlighting Indrajith’s impact in the league stage and his ability to deliver under pressure.
Baba Indrajit On His Performance:
In that innings, Baba Indrajith delivered an extraordinary scoop shot, lofting medium-pacer Yudheeswaran for six. Without moving, he subtly opened the bat’s face, guiding the ball over the keeper’s head on the off-side. Surprisingly, Indrajith later admitted that this audacious shot isn’t something he practices in the nets, highlighting his natural instinct and creativity on the field.
He said, “ I didn’t practise in the nets for that. I instinctively hit it. I played (that shot) because I instinctively knew it would connect. I back my instincts.”
In that same innings, Baba Indrajith also showcased his skill with a classic scoop shot, sending the ball to the fine leg boundary for four off medium-pacer M. Mohammed. This well-executed shot added to his impressive display, combining both power and precision to keep the scoreboard ticking and further solidifying his match-winning performance.
He further said, “ I practised the scoop a lot one season. It was one phase. But after that, I realised it came off good when I naturally played it straightaway in the match. So, I don’t practise that kind of shots too much in the practice sessions. When I keep things natural, it comes off good for me. As it’s been good for me, I’ve been maintaining it like that. I play that kind of shots directly in the match. It’s more of acceptance. I am accepting things.”
Baba Indrajit On His Performance in Ranji Trophy:
The 2023-24 Ranji season brought significant public recognition for Baba Indrajith, as he amassed 767 runs in 13 innings, averaging 69.72. His stellar performance, which included two centuries and four fifties, played a crucial role in Tamil Nadu’s journey to the semifinals, marking their first appearance at this stage since the 2016-17 season.
One standout innings drew significant attention—Indrajith’s 98 off 194 balls against a formidable Karnataka attack at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. On the final day, Tamil Nadu, chasing 355, finished at 338 for eight, thanks to Indrajith’s efforts. His crucial knock, in front of a large crowd, played a vital role in securing a draw and ensuring Tamil Nadu’s spot in the knockout stage.
He said, “ I didn’t understand the significance of that innings at that time. I didn’t know that I was playing an important knock. Only in the last hour or so, I had the feeling that something special was happening. From nowhere, we’d come close to chasing down the target. Even until Tea, we didn’t have that idea (of winning). Everything panned out well. People had come to Chepauk that day. The recognition I got after that (knock) was great. I had traction, I had the limelight. I felt like I’d gotten my break for that tournament. ”
However, this success followed the setback of not being selected for Tamil Nadu’s squad in the previous season’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Despite the disappointment, Indrajith’s determination and performances in the Ranji Trophy highlighted his resilience, proving his worth and making a strong comeback in the domestic circuit.
He further said, “ I was disappointed and dejected. But there was no one to blame for not selecting me. I was not there. I was not there to prove myself. I was upset. I wanted to make it count in Vijay Hazare (Trophy). So, I worked really hard.”
Despite being Tamil Nadu’s top run-scorer, Indrajith faced heartbreak once more in the semifinal against Haryana. His valiant knock of 64 off 71 balls, while chasing 294, fell short. Battling through deep cuts on his upper lip from a fall, he taped the injury and bravely batted at No. 5, but his efforts were ultimately in vain.
Baba Indrajit On Other Aspects:
For someone who acknowledges experiencing more lows than highs, he’s had to focus on navigating setbacks with resilience. Managing disappointments has become a crucial part of his journey, teaching him perseverance and the ability to rise above challenges. This attitude has shaped his approach to both life and cricket, enabling him to keep pushing forward despite the odds.
He said, “ There has been a phase where I’ve not played cricket for seven months with my injury and stuff. And it’s happened a couple of times. So, coming out of that and playing the Ranji season itself, was a big thing. And when you do well, that is a different kind of disappointment when you don’t get the break.”
He added, “ I’m a very emotional person. When I have success, I’m not too excited or anything. But when there is a loss or disappointment, I go deep into a shell. It’s not just in cricket, but in life as well. So, that has impacted me a lot – the downs, losses, and failures. I wanted to handle my emotions better. That’s why, I began focusing a lot on yoga and stuff.”
He further said, “ I’ve always had this inclination towards spirituality. But especially post-COVID, I’ve had a lot of emphasis on it. My friend who’s playing cricket is also a yoga teacher. So, I did a lot of courses. I did the Inner Engineering (Isha Yoga Center) course. I did the follow-up course, for which I went there. From the last domestic season till now, for almost nine months, everyday I’ve been doing yoga. I want to tick all the boxes, cricket-wise. And apart from that, life-wise. Even off the field, to handle my mind and emotions, I think yoga has helped me a lot.”
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