Murali Vijay India's ‘Monk' for All Seasons

After going through a topsy-turvy start in the initial stages of his career, Vijay has managed to establish himself as a solid batsman In India’s Test team. Over the last few years, Vijay has scored runs almost all over the world...

- Bhavesh Bhimani

There is a certain calmness about Murali Vijay. A kind of calmness which feels almost surreal. He seems unflustered even in the most trying circumstances. His eyes, despite what might be going inside him, appear unfazed. He just goes on about his job in meditation mode and very rarely gives it away. And that is why the sobriquet ‘Monk’ suits’ India’s Test opener Murali Vijay perfectly.

After going through a topsy-turvy start in the initial stages of his career, Vijay has managed to establish himself as a solid batsman In India’s Test team. Over the last few years, Vijay has scored runs almost all over the world and has been India’s first choice opener. With a robust technique, oodles of patience, and a monk-like persona, Vijay is perhaps the perfect Test opener, quite in contrast to the ultra-aggressive openers of the modern day game.

Vijay’s calm approach and excellent technique has borne him great results and has led to his good run with bat in recent times. He especially came into the limelight after his excellent performances on India’s tour to England and Australia.

Praise has come in for Vijay from all quarters and none other than bating legend Rahul Dravid seems to be mighty impressed by him. “I really think Vijay has improved technically as a batsman, a lot over the last couple of years, from the first he came into the team. When he first came into the team there were times when he would get stuck at the crease but lately, over the last couple of years, his technique has been superb. His judgment of length and line has been quite exceptional. His performance in very difficult wickets in England and Australia and in some of the turning tracks here has been fantastic,” Dravid was quoted as saying to a news website.