Aiming for glory, with guts

The Chinese tattoo on the left arm means ‘guts and glory’. After pulling India out of early trouble to set up an eventual win in the Twenty20 international on Saturday, S Badrinath can be proud of displaying a temperament that could lead to glory on the tour.

The 30-year-old Tamil Nadu batsman, a prolific run-getter in domestic cricket and a key factor in the Chennai Super Kings retaining the Indian Premier League title this season, was not a sure bet to make the trip to the Caribbean until quite a few seniors dropped out.

In the end, his man-of-the-match innings, a top score of 41, which came thanks to his application after younger teammates fell trying to force the pace too early, underlined fresh determination at the Queen's Park Oval.

The effort in his India comeback, having played two Tests against South Africa last year, and three ODIs going back to 2008, first up on the tour should help slot himself as the No. 4 or 5 he wants to be.

Not always regarded as a limited-overs player, he was pleased. "I was trying to focus on getting singles and rotating the strike. The wicket was damp but I backed my technique.

"It really helps having played a lot of cricket. Coming in, we didn't need too much preparation. But I'm not complaining."
He did enjoy a slice of luck after he was caught off paceman Ravi Rampaul. The umpires referred it to the third official and it was ruled as a front-foot no ball.

Happy to have made a return to the India set up amidst competition from younger players, Badrinath is not looking too far ahead. "First and foremost, I want to get a permanent spot. And then, of course, I want to contribute."