Lakshmipathy Balaji, once a leader of the Indian pace attack, was a forgotten man for more than three years until the IPL happened. After spending all that time in the wilderness thanks to a spate of injuries, Balaji announced he was back to bowling fitness and was immediately signed up by Chennai Super Kings. After picking up two wickets on his IPL debut, Balaji took the IPL by storm when he picked up the first hat-trick of the league. A steady performance with the ball thereafter resulted in a recall to the national team, but injury struck yet again. Thought not as quick as he was in his heyday, he is still a skiddy customer and has mastered the use of change of pace. He is back plying his trade in domestic cricket, and one expects him to be a vital cog in the Chennai Super Kings' plans.