Lakshmipathy Balaji speaks of the time when Pakistani crowd chanted "Balaji zara dheere chalo"

Balaji played 30 ODIs for India and retired in 2016.

L Balaji and Harbhajan Singh | Youtube

Lakshmipathy Balaji, the former India cricketer was one of the most loved cricketers in both India and Pakistan. He experienced a change in cricketing career after a successful tour to Pakistan in 2004. Balaji's had played his part in India's series victory and in no time the 36-year-old was adored by the Pakistani crowd. 

Appearing in the show, "Bhajji Blast" hosted by Harbhajan Singh, Balaji talked about his unforgettable tour to Pakistan in 2004.

The Tamil Nadu cricketer revealed an incident during the 2004 India-Pakistan series where the home crowd tweaked the lyrics of famous song "Babuji Zara Dheere Chalo" to "Balaji Zara Dheere Chalo". 

Playing cricket with a big smile on his face and without any tussle with Pakistani players went right with the fans. Back in 2004, many admitted they like Balaji's wide smile. Harbhajan also spoke about it during the show that no wonder what the pacer had a smile on his. The offie added that he would like to steal it from him.

In 2016, Balaji announced retirement with 8 Tests, 30 ODIs and 4 T20Is to his name. The back injury may have affected his career, but no one doubted his potential. The pacer has 76 wickets in 73 IPL matches he played. He is the first bowler to take a hat-trick in the cash-rich league.

For the 2018 IPL edition, he was appointed as the bowling coach for Chennai Super Kings.

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 20 Jun, 2018

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