Six-hitting Kale in spotlight again

 Playing in the Kent third division, the former Maharashtra batsman smashed six sixes in an over off Damion Grosscel while hammering an unbeaten 152 for Linden Park against Catford Wanderers on Wednesday.

Kale, who had played one one-day international against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 2003, plunged into controversy and had to give up first-class cricket after allegations of him bribing a selector to get a berth in the Indian team.

“To hit six sixes in an over is really remarkable. I am really thrilled,” Kale said. The right-handed batsman, who amassed 7134 first-class runs at 54.45 from 93 games with 25 hundreds and 28 fifties, has played for several English clubs in the lower divisions over the last 10 years.

Kale said hitting six sixes was never in his mind. “I never thought of that even though I was batting fluently throughout the innings. It just happened that way,” he added.
So when did the thought of hitting six sixes seep into his mind? “After the fourth six, I thought I might go on and smash six sixes. After I hit the sixth one, my partner came and shook hands and then it really dawned on me that I have managed to do that. I am just so thrilled to do that,” he said.

The feat has also prompted Linden Park to extend his contract for another year. In fact, it was seven sixes in row as the next ball he faced too disappeared into the stands.
Kale, however, said the dark days of allegations and controversies still resurfaced at times in his mind. “Those were tough days but in life, we have to move on. I have done that. I am happy now,” he added.