**CRICKET | Sachin Baby Confident of Regaining Full Fitness Before Ranji Trophy**
In a recent interview, Sachin Baby, the stalwart batter from Kerala, expressed his unwavering confidence in regaining full fitness ahead of the upcoming Ranji Trophy season. Despite the challenges posed by the grueling domestic cricket schedule, Baby remains optimistic about his chances of performing at his best.
Sachin Baby, who turned 36 in December, has been a cornerstone of Kerala’s batting lineup for years. His impressive run-scoring in the Ranji Trophy this season, where he accumulated 830 runs from seven matches, solidified his position as one of the top batsmen in the tournament. Baby’s success is not just a testament to his skill but also a reflection of his dedication to the sport.
The southpaw has been open about his inspirations, crediting former India pacer S Sreesanth for his never-give-up attitude. Sreesanth’s remarkable comeback to first-class cricket at the age of 39, despite being banned for seven years, has been a significant motivating factor for Baby. This inspiration has driven Baby to push beyond his limits, ensuring that he continues to improve with each passing season.
Baby’s approach to cricket is distinctly different from the T20 format, which he believes does not translate well to the longer formats like Ranji Trophy. He emphasizes the importance of patience and spending time at the wicket, a skill that not many modern-day batsmen possess. His advice to young cricketers is to learn the value of preserving their wicket, as this is crucial in the longer format of the game.
Despite his impressive performance in the Ranji Trophy, Baby has faced criticism for his lack of success in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament. However, he attributes this to the limited number of matches he played in the tournament last year. Baby’s focus remains on improving his skills in the longer formats, where he feels he can make a more significant impact.
The upcoming Ranji Trophy season promises to be a challenging one for Baby, with Kerala aiming to go beyond the group stage. The team’s tendency to collapse in crucial situations has been a recurring issue, and Baby believes that the batsmen need to learn the art of playing long innings. He praises his teammate Akshay Chandran for showing tremendous application and getting useful runs, highlighting the importance of patience in the longer format.
Baby’s journey in domestic cricket spans over 15 years, and he has seen the game evolve significantly. Despite the changing landscape of cricket, he remains committed to his craft, always striving to improve. His two pre-season training sessions in Chennai and Bengaluru before the 2022-23 domestic season were instrumental in enhancing his game. The sessions with strength and conditioning coach AT Rajamani and batting coach RX Murali helped him improve his running, speed, and agility, as well as bat with freedom and confidence.
As the Ranji Trophy season approaches, Sachin Baby is more determined than ever to regain full fitness and lead Kerala to success. His unwavering dedication, coupled with his inspiring story, makes him a role model for aspiring cricketers. With his sights set on the upcoming challenges, Baby is ready to take on whatever the season throws his way, confident that his hard work and perseverance will ultimately pay off.
In conclusion, Sachin Baby’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication in the world of cricket. As he prepares to face the challenges of the Ranji Trophy, he remains steadfast in his commitment to the sport, inspiring others with his unwavering passion and determination. The cricketing world will be watching closely as Baby takes on the upcoming season, eager to see if he can continue his impressive form and lead Kerala to victory.
