Subramaniam Badrinath

A prolific run-getter in first-class cricket, Subramaniam Badrinath has represented the state of Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket. This stylish right-handed middle-order batsman has captained the Tamil Nadu Ranji team and since the mid 2000’s, has been the backbone of their batting line-up.

Badrinath attracted national attention in 2005-06 when he nearly topped the batting charts with 636 runs in seven matches in the domestic arena at a bolstering average of 80. An excellent stroke maker and a brilliant point fielder, he mounted huge runs for the India A squad at home and away in 2007. Later that year, he was included in the ODIs against Australia, but did not play a single game. He continued his terrific form in the 2007-08 Ranji season. Ten months later, he replaced Sachin Tendulkar for the ODIs against Sri Lanka. “Badri” was impressive in his debut appearance, showing the perfect temperament and technique. He was called into the Test squad in 2008-09 for Australia’s tour of India but did not play. However, more than a year later, he made his Test debut at Nagpur. His form in the domestic season continued, eventually fetching him a place in the ODI side for the West Indies series in 2011. 

Few months later, he was once again called up to the one day team for the series in England, replacing Sachin Tendulkar for the second time in his career. The gritty right-hander was a last-minute inclusion in the Test squad in 2012, when veteran VVS Laxman announced his international retirement just a week before the New Zealand series.

Badrinath remains an integral part of Chennai in the Indian T20 league and has been contributing extensively to the team’s success since 2008.