Nostalgic Balaji Rao awestruck by Wankhede

Balajiu00a0Rao was awestruck when he entered the Wankhede Stadium for Canada's practice session ahead of Sunday's game against New Zealand. Not just because the stadium looked fantastic after renovation, but the memories of his dream first-class debut gushed through his mind.


Balaji Rao made his first-class debut against England A at the Wankhede
Stadium in 1995. Pic/MiD DAY Archives

It was at this very stadium in January 1995, playing for India Youth XI, where the leggie mopped up seven wickets against England A, which had six future Test players. He was just 17-year-old then and still in school.
"This stadium is very special for me. I had a very good debut. It was one of the high points of my career," Rao told MiD DAY. Rao picked up the wickets of Alan Wells and Glen Chapple in the first innings and Jason Gallian, Mark Ramprakash, Wells, David Hemp and Paul Nixon in the second outing.

"I remember everything... I also remember Ian Salisbury hitting me for a six the first ball I bowled. I had a great match," he added.

Special
The Churchgate venue remains special for Rao. "I have a lot of memories associated with this stadium. I learnt a lot about the game here. I attended many camps organised by Frank Tyson and Vasu Paranjape here.
"The Garware Club House where we used to stay, the old dressing rooms, there are a lot of fond memories," said the 33-year-old before adding, "but everything has changed.

The old dressing room has gone. I couldn't believe it was the same Wankhede where I played. One can't believe it is a stadium in India. It has got a good feel." Needless to say, Rao would be hoping to do weave his magic against the Kiwis tomorrow. "I will certainly try my best," he signed off.