Indian Cricketer

An interview with Mr.Sagi Lakshmi Venkatapathi Raju,
Indian Cricketer

Sagi Lakshmi Venkatapathi Raju, as his name goes, came into prominence into the Indian cricket after toiling in the domestic season for five years, it was the Duleep Trophy final against the Central Zone in Hyderabad, which was the real turning point towards Test Cricket. Nicknamed as "Mr Muscles" by his team mates, Raju is a lion hearted bowler, with a lot of ups and downs throughout his career. When he came into prominence in the late 80's he was considered to be an ideal replacement for Maninder Singh, who was fading away at that time.

A finger spinner in the classical mould, Raju along with Kumble and Rajesh Chauhan have seemed to form a new trio in the Indian Cricket. His best season was the 1994 - 95 series against the West Indies where he scalped 20 wickets in three Tests. However since then there have been a lot of ups and downs in his career and last played in Tests during the 1997 - 98 series against Aurstalia.

But, he is still a mainstay in the domestic Ranji side for Hyderabad, having played 75 Ranji matches for his side Hyderabad, Raju was instrumental for his side's last year's performance where they reached the final of the Ranji Trophy. This season, having gone through more than half of the league matches in the South Zone his team is well placed in the zone. During one of his practice sessions Raju could make some time to spend with us, during which he spoke about his past memories, his childhood and some of his most cherished moments during his career.

In an exclusive interview with khojhyderabad.com he shared his experiences thus:

Excerpts from the interview:

Q. How did your first overseas tour, i.e. to Australia for the U - 19 World Cup in the year 1986, help you in building up your career ?
A.  Actually it was my first step towards the international career, after playing in the Ranji at home for few seasons. Though initially it was very difficult, later on after playing few matches we adjusted well. This tour actually was a good learning experience for me. The pitches there have more bounce and they really give you a kick if you flight the ball correctly, and the carry is amazing. One has to be technically perfect to survive in those conditions.

Q. What was the turning point in your career which, helped you gain a Test cap ?
A. The Duleep Trophy final between the South Zone and Central Zone, I took 6 wickets in the first innings  and I think from there I really started to make an impact on the selectors and then slowly into the Indian team.

Q. What is the most memorable moment for you in your circuiting career ?
A. My first Test match in India, eventhough I made my debut during the New Zealand tour in 1989 - 90, this was really thrilling for me. Initially I was not in the playing eleven, but later Shastri (Ravi Shastri) wanted to concentrate on batting and so I got a chance to play. And luckily it turned out to be my best analysis in Test Cricket and till now it is my best, I took 6 wickets for 12 runs in the first innings and incidentally it was the first victory in Test Cricket for Azhar.

Q. In the early 90's you along with Kumble and Rajesh Chuan were looked as the new trio of Indian bowling and made everyone recollect the past glory during the Prasanna, Chardrasekhar, Bedi and Venkat.., but later it did not carry on for a long time. What actually went wrong ?
A. Yaa, its true, but it broke off and that controversy with Rajesh about his action and the ICC interference did not really help in giving a good shape to our team. And later he was dropped and picked again and there were a lots of ups and downs with us. 

Q. Who has been the biggest influence on you for your circketing career ?
A. Actually for me I would say that my father Mr. Narasimha Raju has been the biggest influence in shaping up my career, he actually did not know much about cricket, but he used to go with his friends and watch cricket and encouraged me a lot. Later it was Mr. M L Jaisimha who made me this today, his younger son Vidyuth was my classmate and I used to play with him for MCC and then gradually I became more like a family member with them. He used to guide me a lot. He actually used to travel to all Test Centers and whenever we had any problem he used to help us. His help to me is something which I cannot describe. Azhar was also was very encouraging for me, and to have a captain who can handle you well is always an advantage.

Q. What do you feel about the present state of the Hyderabad Cricket, i.e. talent wise and other facilities available ?
A. See there is not much encouragement now a days, you have other states, like in Madras(Chennai) and Bangalore corporate coming up and sponsoring, that is lacking here. In Madras you have MRF, Chemplast and other companies taking up the responsibilities. Previously there were these public sector banks taking up a lot of youngsters, but of late that has come down. There is really not much encouragement for cricket here these days.

Q. Talent wise do you have any talented spinners in sight who have that capacity to make it big in Test cricket ?
A. Yeah, there are a few, you have R Sridhar, Fatima Reddy but they have to play more matches and get more exposure and learn a lot before they could make it to the big league.

Q. How do you find yourself in the present team, you actually have gone through a lots of ups and downs, you were the captain for some time and then removed, now what do you feel about this ?
A. It really dose not make much difference for me, I have seen the best and worst part during this period and now I think I got used to it. As long as I think I am playing well and contributing to the team I have no problems.

Q. Going a little into the past, after that memorable series against Westindies, where you got some 20 wickets in three test matches and immediately for the next tour you did not find a place in the team, what went through your mind during that period ?
A. That actually was the best series I ever had, i.e. in terms of wickets and after that you find yourself out of the team, till now I could not find an answer for this.

Q. Do you really hope to make a comeback into the Indian team ?
A. No, hope, I never hope, it only disappoints you when it does not fulfil, I just keep on playing and if they feel that I am good enough I may be back.

Sathya Narayana