Winning is what matters most: Badani

Winning is what matters most: Badani
Vinay Nayudu and Kumar Shyam

MUMBAI, March 28: His maiden century might have gone in vain but on the personal front, Badani has once again shown his worth. Having made his debut last season in the Asia Cup in Bangladesh and playing in his tenth match, the south-paw from Tamil Nadu finally got to a century after two knocks of fifties. Considering that he comes in at number five or six, it is a remarkable achievement.

Known for his ice-cool temperament, Badani has never been extravagant in his batting approach. Besides a flamboyant batting style, Badani also has another fifty to his name -- his strike rate something that makes him a bright prospect for the 2003 World Cup.

Arriving in Mumbai immediately after the one-dayer in Pune, the 24-year-old was a picture of humility and modesty despite the death of a close relative in the family as he spoke to the òf40óIndian Express at his room in òf40óHotel Orchid late Wednesday evening.

Excerpts: Experts say that coming in at No 5 and getting a hundred should make you feel proud. Your feelings?
It is always glad to get a hundred. But I wouldn't say I am happy. What matters most is winning. I would've been happier if India had won.

Disappointed with the way you were dismissed; going for a big one immediately after the milestone?
No I had to go for it. I would have gone for the shots earlier, but Zaheer Khan kept egging me saying getting to a hundred coming in at No 5 was a creditable achievement. Anyway there were just seven balls to go. I had to go for it anyway.

Coming low down the order, you have clicked most of the times. Do you feel being branded as a one-day player? Any ambitions for Test cricket?
Yes, obviously I would like to play in the Test format. I think I will have to wait for my turn.

Your first few innings were cameo knocks but today, you looked more compact. You seem to have shed a bit of your slam-bang approach. Your comments....
I wouldn't say I am of the slam-bang type. But yes, I have matured over the past two years. My shot selection has improved. But coming in low down the order, there was not much option for me. I have always batted as per the team demands. I got to play my shots against Zimbabwe which we won.

How is it keeping your cool in crunch situations. Do you think you have the big match temperament?
I have worked very hard to get here. Between the matches, I have spoken to players on how they played and would have handled various situatins. I havemodelled myself or rather, programmed myself according to things. It is easier following a set plan.

Someone like Bishen Singh Bedi has said that Badani deserves to be in the World Cup squad for 2003.
If someone like him has said that, it is indeed a compliment and I hope to live upto his expectations.

The run-outs marred your innings. Your thoughts on that...
I felt sorry for Laxman. Even Dinesh Mongia since he was also making his debut. As far as Mongia was concerned, if you go through cricketing books, the call was mine but these things happen in match situations. Had Laxman also stayed around, we could have got lot more runs under the belt. But these things happen. One has to look to improving the same.