Born on September 27, 1981, in Pollachi, Lakshmipathy Balaji is a former Indian cricketer from Tamil Nadu.
Lakshmipathy Balaji played as a right arm fast medium bowler and was often known as the 'Smiling Assassin' for his happy nature but fierce bowling on the field.
In pic: Lakshmipathy Balaji and Priya Thalur from their USA vacation.
Lakshmipathy Balaji got married to his long-time girlfriend Priya Thalur on September 16, 2013. The couple has a son named Araan.
Lakshmipathy Balaji who represented Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy was included in the Indian cricket team as a fast-medium bowler in 2003.
In pic: Lakshmipathy Balaji and wife Priya Thalur on vacation in the USA
Lakshmipathy Balaji made his international Test debut against New Zealand at Ahmedabad on October 8, 2003. He made a mark in international cricket following his performance in the 2004 series against Pakistan.
During the 2004 India-Pakistan series, Lakshmipathy Balaji played a significant part in Indian team's historic performances. But after an injury, his international cricket career was put on hold.
Balaji made a comeback in Pakistan's 2005 tour of India, taking 5 wickets in the first innings. Injuries kept him out of cricket for the next 3 years.
Lakshmipathy Balaji played 8 Tests and took 27 wickets at an average of 37.18. His best bowling figures are 5/76.
Lakshmipathy Balaji played 30 ODIs for India and took 34 wickets at an average of 39.52. His best bowling figures are 4/48.
In picture: A cute selfie of Lakshmipathy Balaji and Priya Thalur from a trip to Dubai
Balaji also played 5 T20Is and took 10 wickets at a bowling average of 12.10 and best figures of 3/19.
In IPL, Lakshmipathy Balaji played for the Chennai Super Kings team in the first 3 editions, starting from the 2008 Indian Premier League.
On May 10, 2008, Balaji picked up the first hat-trick of the IPL tournament in the match against Kings XI Punjab in Chennai and rounded off the evening with a match-winning five-wicket haul. Lakshmipathy Balaji's tournament was to end on a low as he bowled the final over to Rajasthan Royals' Shane Warne and Sohail Tanvir, with the latter hitting the winning runs off the final ball to lift the trophy.
From 2011 to 2013, Lakshmipathy Balaji played for former IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders and then for Kings XI Punjab in 2014.
In his IPL career Lakshmipathy Balaji played a total of 73 matches and took 76 wickets at an average of 26.68 and economy rate of 8.05. His best figures are 5/24.
Balaji also played 5 T20Is and took 10 wickets at a bowling average of 12.10 and best figures of 3/19.
Lakshmipathy Balaji announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in November 2016.
A throwback picture of Lakshmipathy Balaji with wife Priya Thalur
Lakshmipathy Balaji is currently the bowling coach for the Chennai Super Kings, the side he represented in the first few years of his Indian Premier League career.
Lakshmipathy Balaji's wife Priya Thalur posted this image after participating in a marathon with her hubby, she said, '10km run after 4 months . Wanted to give up at so many moments, probably cursed myself to have set this target before the run. All I needed was a push and someone to tell me I can do it. Husband @balalee100 joined me after his run, kept me company (at my pace ) and kept telling me not to give up. Super glad I completed the run at a decent pace considering the long break. All you lovely people who are falling off the wagon, find that someone or something that keeps you motivated. Sometimes all we need is just that!! #1.04mins #goals #fitness #fitcouple #eversupportive #mysunshine #icanyoucan #runner #nevergiveup #bringmethebiriyani'
Lakshmipathy Balaji's wife Priya Thalur shared this picture on her four-year wedding anniversary with the former bowler, she wrote, 'Happy anniversary to us boo! 4 years of being married and 8 years of love. Nothing has changed between us except that we now have to share our love with one mini who will probably monkey around our backs for a few more years. To more amazing years ahead (with and without the mini) #anniversary #blesseswiththebest #lovelife'
Lakshmipathy Balaji's wife Priya Thalur shared this picture from her pregnancy days. Aren't the couple looking adorable?
Lakshmipathy Balaji's wife Priya Thalur shared a throwback picture with her husband and child, she wrote, 'This time last year - parttttaaaaaayyy! This year - dealing with a baby who's chewing on anything he sees. 2016 - the year I no longer remain my father's pet, because one mini took over everyone's heart .It's amazing how this little live bomb has brought so much joy to our homes.Bring it on 2017, looking forward to a walking and talking baby, more sleep, some guilt free wine and a fitter self. Happy new year from our family to yours.'
Lakshmipathy Balaji's wife Priya Thalur shared this picture of her with MS Dhoni's wife Sakshi Dhoni from an outing
Lakshmipathy Balaji's wife Priya Thalur posted this picture of a night out. She captioned, 'With my favourites. #aboutlastnight #funfridays'
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