Subramaniam Badrinath hopeful of making international comeback

Subramaniam Badrinath

Subramaniam Dabrinath, an expert accumulator of runs in domestic cricket, is keen to make a comeback into the national squad and wants to use this domestic season to make a statement to the selection panel.

“I want to make a statement this season. It’s not just with words, I want to do it with my bat,” Badrinath told Deccan Chronicle. “I want to do something big which will let the national selectors know that I’m here to perform. And that’s what I tried to do two years ago when I was the highest run scorer [in 2010-11]. I want to give my best and play with authority.”

Badrinath, who had made his Test debut in 2010 against South Africa with a half century, has played in two Test matches. He last played a Test match in February 2010 and since then, despite performing well at the domestic level, he has never been recalled into the Test squad.

After VVS Laxman retired from international cricket in August 2012, Badrinath was selected in the Indian squad for the Tests against New Zealand but didn’t get a game.

Even in the ODI arena, his story is no different. He hasn’t played for India since June 2011, when he got three ODI innings in West Indies but failed to live up to expectations.

On being asked about his impressive T20 form, he said: “T20 is not my natural game. I have a different set of skills and I don’t think stamping authority means only hitting sixes.

“Playing a crucial role in winning is important. I know I’m not a [Suresh] Raina or a Dhoni. I have played a few ODIs for the country and a lot of List A and T20 domestic matches. I would like to be known as a player who can play all three formats. I don’t want to be branded as a Test or ODI or T20 player.

“I have always strived to be a cricketer for all seasons. I have been doing well for CSK under pressure situations.”