Friends in need, old pace partners inspire each other

It’s been four years since the 2004 tour of Pakistan where the two last played together for India, but their similar career-threatening injuries meant that they had a lot to discuss over the years. But unlike their many previous conversations, this Sunday’s chat wasn’t a depressing exchange of medical updates, shared anxiety over aliments, or information about rehabilitation procedures.

An excited Balaji wanted to talk about his sudden high. And the optimism wasn’t one-sided during the late-night call since Nehra, too, had happy memories of the last game he had played. Finally, the men had something else in common — they had both got the man-of-the-match award in their last games. The tide had turned.

Nehra recalls the words of his friend, whom he will play against tomorrow as Mumbai host Chennai. “Balaji was very happy and a bit emotional. You could see it from his face even when he went to collect his award. The problem in India is that people forget you when you’re not playing international cricket,” says Nehra. The left-arm paceman has painted a dream scenario for tomorrow’s game, and he lets the secret out in jest: “I can’t help but be happy for Balaji even if takes our wickets. It would be perfect if we win the game with both of us getting wickets.”

Forgotten easily

Nehra speaks about the aftermath of the 2004 tour, where Balaji was at his peak and became a cult hero in Pakistan. “Not just there, he bowled well even when Pakistan were here. But he got injured in the one-dayers,” he says. It was during this period that calls between the two men became more frequent. “We were together in England for rehabilitation and I introduced him to a number of my friends there. They really helped him. Last season when I was traveling with the Ranji team I went to Chennai and we were together for five days,” Nehra says.

The Delhi pacer sums his bond with Balaji in a simple sentence: “He knew how tough it was for me and I knew how tough is was going to be for him.” He says it’s important to hear comforting words from someone who understands your situation during an injury crisis. “I wouldn’t worry if I was dropped because I know I can work hard and make a comeback. But with injuries, the inactivity and boredom is tough to deal with,” he says.

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