Looking to play Ranji from December 6 - Badrinath

S Badrinath, the injured India middle-order batsman, has said he hopes to return to first-class cricket in two weeks. He has been sidelined since mid-October, after hurting his shoulder during the Challenger Trophy in Nagpur.

"I'm making good progress. I have started batting from this week," he said in Delhi. "I am aiming to play the upcoming Ranji match from December 6 [against Bengal]. I'll get to know on Monday whether I would be able to take the field."

Badrinath is set to receive the Madhavrao Scindia award for the highest run-getter in last year's Ranji season, where he amassed 922 runs at 131.71. "It was something I wanted to achieve. Last year I went into the season with an aim to do something phenomenal and make a statement with what I do on the field. So, I am happy I am able to achieve it and I hope it doesn't go unnoticed."

He has missed the first three rounds of the Ranji Trophy, a tournament where he has been a heavy scorer over the past few seasons. Despite the early season set back, he has set his sights high this year as well. "I think I will come back and do whatever I can in the rest of the games. My aim is to make an impact. I have not got a triple century yet in a first-class game and that is what I want to do."

Badrinath, 31, last played for India during the tour of the West Indies earlier this year, and though there are several younger candidates for a spot in the middle-order, he remained optimistic of making a comeback. "I have been in the national team for a while, but didn't get a chance to play [much]. In the back of my mind, I know I haven't really lost. Maybe the [national] spots would open up soon and I feel I am the best guy to do the job."