Balaji all set to make a mark after 4 years

Agencies

Chennai: Recalled to the Indian squad after nearly four years, pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji on Monday oozed confidence of making his mark in the ongoing one-day series against Sri Lanka.

Set to leave for Colombo to replace Munaf, who has been ruled out due to a groin injury, Balaji said the success in domestic games has helped his return to the national side.

"I am very happy. At the moment, I have been bowling well and confident of my performance and giving 100 per cent," he said.

Balaji said he didn't set himself any time-frame for a return to the national side and just wanted to consistently perform at the domestic level.

"I have not really set any target in coming back to the Indian team. I was only wanting to bowl to my potential and show improvement and consistency. Recall to the team is a great boost to me," he said.

Balaji, who was instrumental in India's series win in Pakistan in 2004, incidentally had last played for India in a one-day game in 2005 in Dambulla.

A stress fracture nagged him in the 2004 tour of England and injuries continued to haunt him.

He has 11 wickets (including a hat-trick) to his credit in nine games for Chennai Super Kings, last year's finalists in the inaugural Indian Premier League.

Balaji was also instrumental in helping Tamil Nadu figure in the Ranji Trophy 2009 semi-finals with 36 wickets from seven games at 17.50.