S. Badrinath’s cricketing journey is a fascinating story of domestic dominance and a fleeting international career. Celebrating his birthday on August 30, let’s delve into the career of this talented cricketer who made a mark in Indian cricket with his solid performances.
Domestic Cricket Success
S. Badrinath began his first-class cricket career in 2000, representing Tamil Nadu. Known for his dependable batting technique, he quickly became a key player in domestic circuits. Despite a slow start in the initial years, Badrinath found his rhythm from the 2005-06 season. His consistent performances during this period were remarkable:
- 2005-06: Scored 636 runs at an impressive average of 80.
- 2006-07: Accumulated 436 runs at an average of 50.
- 2007-08: Notched up 659 runs at an average of 65.
These achievements earned him a well-deserved place in the Indian national team, reflecting his hard work and dedication.
Brief International Career
Badrinath’s international career, although brief, spanned all three formats of the game. He made his debut for India in One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Sri Lanka in 2008. His ODI career, however, was short-lived, with only 7 matches and 79 runs to his name, his highest score being 27.
His Test career began in 2010 against South Africa, but he featured in just 2 matches. In these games, he scored 63 runs, including one half-century. Badrinath’s sole T20 International appearance came against the West Indies in 2011, where he scored 43 runs. His international journey lasted from 2008 to 2011, making him a cricketer with a substantial domestic impact but a limited international footprint.
IPL Contributions
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), S. Badrinath was a consistent performer for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from 2008 to 2013. Over his six seasons with CSK, he played 95 matches, amassing 1,441 runs at a strike rate of 118. His contributions were pivotal in CSK’s victories in the IPL in 2010 and 2011 under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.
Badrinath’s IPL journey was financially rewarding as well. Initially, he earned Rs 12 lakh per season, but from 2011 to 2013, his salary increased to Rs 3.68 crore per season. By the end of his IPL career, he had accumulated a total earning of Rs 11.40 crore.
Legacy and Impact
S. Badrinath’s story is a testament to the fact that even brief international careers can coexist with extraordinary domestic achievements. His contributions to Tamil Nadu cricket and Chennai Super Kings remain noteworthy, highlighting his skill and perseverance. Though his time in the international limelight was limited, Badrinath’s legacy in domestic cricket and IPL continues to be celebrated by cricket enthusiasts.
