In the annals of Indian cricket, the name Hemang Badani resonates as a symbol of dedication, skill, and an unyielding passion for the game. Born on November 14, 1976, in the bustling city of Chennai, Badani’s cricketing journey is a tale of perseverance and triumph. This article delves into the life of Hemang Badani, tracing his path from the cricketing grounds of Chennai to the international cricket stadiums where he donned the prestigious Indian jersey.
A left-handed batsman known for his elegant stroke play and a competent slow left-arm orthodox bowler, Badani emerged during a transformative era in Indian cricket. His career, marked by significant highs and challenging lows, mirrors the journey of an athlete who constantly strived to make his mark in a highly competitive sport. From his early days in domestic cricket to his notable performances on the international stage, Badani’s story is one of resilience and hard work.
Hemang Badani Batting Career Stats
Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 4 | 7 | 1 | 94 | 38 | 15.67 | 248 | 37.9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 1 |
ODI | 40 | 36 | 10 | 867 | 100 | 33.35 | 1180 | 73.47 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 68 | 10 |
Bowling Career Stats
Format | M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 4 | 1 | 48 | 17 | 0 | 0/17 | 0/17 | 2.12 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
ODI | 40 | 9 | 183 | 149 | 3 | 1/7 | 1/7 | 4.89 | 49.67 | 61.0 | 0 | 0 |
Career Information
Test debut vs Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club, Jun 15, 2001
Last Test vs Sri Lanka at Sinhalese Sports Club, Aug 29, 2001
ODI debut vs Bangladesh at Bangabandhu National Stadium, May 30, 2000
Last ODI vs Pakistan at National Stadium, Mar 13, 2004
Biography
Hemang Badani, an accomplished former Indian cricketer, was born on November 14, 1976, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. His early life and education were shaped in the bustling city of Chennai, known for its rich cricketing culture and history. Badani, from a young age, showed a keen interest in the sport, which is deeply embedded in the local culture of Chennai.
Growing up in a country where cricket is more than just a sport, it’s a religion, Badani was influenced by the cricketing environment around him. He attended local schools in Chennai, where he not only focused on academics but also honed his cricketing skills. Although specific details about his educational background are not widely documented, it’s evident that his early life in Chennai played a significant role in nurturing his talent and passion for cricket.
Badani’s cricketing journey began in the local grounds of Chennai, where he started playing at a young age. His talent was quickly recognized, and he made his way through the ranks in school and club cricket. The support and facilities available in Chennai, a city known for producing several cricketing legends, provided him with the perfect platform to develop his skills.
Career Journey of Hemang Badani
Hemang Badani, an esteemed former Indian cricketer, made a significant impact in the international cricket arena. He debuted in One Day Internationals (ODIs) in May 1999 during the Asia Cup against Bangladesh in Dhaka, making a promising start with a score of 35, contributing to India’s victory. Badani’s international career further unfolded as he participated in the 2000–01 Sharjah Champions Trophy and played against teams like Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka.
In the home series against Zimbabwe, Badani showcased his batting prowess by scoring 153 runs, including two half-centuries. His performance continued to improve in the home ODI series against Australia, where he scored 166 runs across five matches. His remarkable only international century came during this series, achieved in the second match in Pune on March 28, 2001.
Badani’s Test debut for India was against Zimbabwe in June 2001 at the Harare Sports Club during India’s tour of Zimbabwe. Although he played in the subsequent triangular ODI tournament featuring the West Indies and Zimbabwe, and another series involving Sri Lanka and New Zealand, his performance in these series was moderate. In total, Badani played only four Test matches, with his last appearance against Sri Lanka in August 2001.
Despite fluctuating form, Badani was a part of the Indian squad for various series, including the home series against England in 2002 and the TVS Cup in 2003. His last ODI appearance was against Pakistan in Karachi in March 2004. Throughout his ODI career, Badani played 40 matches, scoring 867 runs at an average of 33.34.
In domestic cricket, Badani was a stalwart for Tamil Nadu, representing them for thirteen seasons from 1996-97. He was a prolific run-scorer in first-class cricket, amassing over six thousand runs, including 14 centuries, at an average just below 46. He played crucial roles in Tamil Nadu reaching the Ranji Trophy finals twice and captained the team to victory in the domestic one-day cup in 2004–05. Badani also represented Rajasthan, Haryana, and Vidarbha in various domestic seasons.
In T20 cricket, Badani joined the Chennai Superstars in the Indian Cricket League (ICL) in 2007. Following a period of ineligibility imposed by the BCCI on ICL players, he was signed by the Chennai Super Kings for the 2010 Indian Premier League, though he did not play any matches.
Post-retirement, Badani has been actively involved in coaching and commentary. He has been the head coach of the Chepauk Super Gillies in the Tamil Nadu Premier League since 2016, leading them to multiple title wins. He also served as a consultant for the Jaffna Kings in the Lanka Premier League and as a fielding coach and scout for the Sunrisers Hyderabad team in the Indian Premier League until mid-2023. Additionally, Badani is known for his role as a commentator on Star Sports Tamil, contributing his insights and expertise to the broadcasting of the sport.
Family, Personal Life and Body Metrics
Hemang Badani, a notable former Indian cricketer, has maintained a relatively private personal life. Born on November 14, 1976, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Badani has made a significant mark in the world of cricket. He is married to Sulakshna Badani, and together they have formed a close-knit family, though specific details about their children or other family members are not widely publicized.
Regarding his educational background, Badani attended Hilton Matriculation School in Chennai. However, there is no detailed information available about his college education, although he is noted as a graduate. His father’s name is Kamal Badani, but the details about his mother are not publicly known. His coach and mentor during his cricketing career was PK Dharmalingam.
Badani’s personal interests include watching movies, and he has expressed admiration for cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar. In terms of culinary preferences, he enjoys traditional South Indian cuisine, including dishes like Rasam, Banana Bonda, Idli, Sambar, and Dosa. Furthermore, he is a fan of the renowned actor Rajnikanth and enjoys watching his films.
As for his physical characteristics, Badani stands approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall and has black hair and black eyes. His Zodiac sign is Scorpio, and he follows Hinduism. While specific details about his siblings are not available, it’s clear that his family and upbringing in Chennai have played a crucial role in his development both as a person and as a cricketer.
Conclusion
Hemang Badani’s cricketing story is a testament to the spirit of perseverance and adaptability. His journey from the local grounds of Chennai to the international cricket arena exemplifies how talent, when combined with hard work, can achieve remarkable heights. While his international career might not have been long or filled with records, Badani’s contributions to Indian cricket, especially in moments of need, remain memorable. His century against Australia in Pune and his performances in domestic cricket, where he consistently proved his mettle, highlight his cricketing acumen. Badani’s story is not just about the runs scored or wickets taken; it’s about the determination to persist in the face of challenges and to seize opportunities when they arose.
Post-retirement, Badani’s involvement in cricket through coaching and commentary showcases his enduring love for the game and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of cricketers. His guidance and insights, both on the field and in the commentary box, continue to enrich the cricketing world. Hemang Badani, with his modest yet impactful cricketing journey, serves as an inspiration for many aspiring cricketers, proving that success in cricket is not just about innate talent but also about the resilience and passion for the game. His story reminds us that every cricketer, irrespective of the length or nature of their career, leaves an indelible mark on the sport, contributing to its rich tapestry in their unique way.