4. Murali got serious about cricket while in college
Vijay later went back to his studies, cleared the board exams and went to Vivekananda College in Mylapore, Chennai. Vivekananda College was well-known for promoting cricket and it suited Vijay in an apt way as he tried to further his ambition in the sport he loved.
His friends were particularly supportive of his obsession with the game and he ended up spending nights at the YMCA and the IIT cricket ground. When he was not selected for the Under-19 state team, he took up college cricket seriously playing every possible game he could.
Recalling his fond memories about those days, Vijay said, “Whatever game would be happening, I would go and play. If I got a call about a match, I would be there: 8 am or 1 in the afternoon, multiple times a day. I also wanted to show my parents that I was doing something.”
5. Was not selected for the Tamil Nadu team for his long hair
Vijay's ambitions suffered a rude jolt when he was apparently not selected for the Tamil Nadu team at the age of 21 because he had long hair.
“That’s what my sources told me and I was shocked. It’s a weird feeling: I didn’t understand. What’s hair got to do with cricket? What does it really say? How can you judge my attitude on that?
“If I do not supporting my teammates, or come late for training or make mistakes on the field, these things can be addressed. Not your hair or the way you speak, or smoke,” Vijay said.
Not one to let anything come between him and his love for the game, Vijay had gone that very evening to have a hair-cut. “I told myself I can grow back the hair anytime. Cricket was my ultimate thing," Vijay said.
6. His talent was spotted by Bharat Arun, India's bowling coach
It was Bharat Arun, India's bowling coach and a well-known figure in Tamil Nadu cricket, who first spotted Vijay's talent during his early days. Arun asked Vijay to play for the Chemplast team in Chennai's club cricket league.
Former Tamil Nadu player Diwakar Vasu was in charge of the Chemplast team and he assured Vijay that though he might not get a chance to play in the first five matches, his opportunity will surely come if he waited.
Not one to undermine the virtue of patience, Vijay latched on to the offer and it paid him good heed. “I got a chance and haven’t looked back since,” he said.
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