‘Just talking to Dhoni will not get me a permanent spot’

He holds the record for the best ODI bowling figures by an Indian and his incredible economy rate of 0.85 for the magical ‘six for four’ against Bangladesh has been the best ever for bowlers who have taken six or more wickets. Yet, Bengaluru lad Stuart Binny remains ‘not an automatic choice’ in the Indian team’s playing XI, having featured in just 10 ODIs since making his debut. The 31-year-old says he has learnt to be battle-ready. “Whatever opportunity and whenever it comes, I have to be prepared to take it. I would rather not be doing anything else than be part of this set-up,” he says.

Ahead of his departure to Zimbabwe, Binny admitted it is not easy to sit out. But he trains hard. “It’s not easy to be on tour and not get games. Practice makes one perfect and you have to train hard... if you are playing or not.” Binny adds he has had discussions with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. “I have had chats with MS but that will not make me a permanent member of the Indian team. It will surely help me become a better cricketer though... talking to him about how I can get better or how I can be used more optimally.” Another person with whom he has been having endless chats about his game is father and former cricketer Roger Binny — a vital member of India’s legendary 1983 World Cup winning team.

“I grew up with him being my only coach. He has coached me since I was 10 and I have had numerous chats about the game especially when I was entering international cricket. From his experience, I wanted to know what I must expect at the top level.” And with Binny Sr now a part of the senior selection committee, Stuart feels being a son of a famous personality has not necessarily helped him. “It has not been an easy journey for me. It has had its share of ups and downs but I have enjoyed it too. Dad being the selector has put a little more pressure on me. I have lived under his shadow my whole career. But yes, I have enjoyed it too.” It was in 2012 that Binny Jr got married to well-known TV journalist and presenter Mayanti Langer.

The two were in Australia and New Zealand for the World Cup - a rare husband and wife team traveling with cricket, together. Langer, was a presenter for the official broadcaster, while Binny Jr was a part of the 15-man squad. And how do they go about it? “Anchoring is now my career and I am ready to give my hundred per cent for the job. Stuart is a pro while I am a professional presenter, too. Our jobs do not overlap. He is doing his job for the team while I am doing mine. There is no time to even think of doing something else, the job is so intriguing,” Mayanti had said in an interview recently.