Print

Please post once and this message will disappear! Introduce yourself, say hello, jump into a discussion...

[caught and bowled]

I can still make it to the WCup squad: VVS
   By: Nikhil Subramaniam
   February 7, 2007
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is probably Indian cricket’s most ironic tale. In between dazzling strokeplay on his way to glorious hundreds, VVS Laxman has suffered frustrations of numerous mid-level scores, and has struggled to hold his place in the one-day side.

He has never hidden his severe disappointment at missing out on a place in the 2003 World Cup side.

But the man himself claims he is optimistic about his chances for the mega event in the Caribbean later this year.

Still positive

“You never know what can happen in cricket. I did not expect to go to South Africa for the one-dayers and then suddenly I was called up, albeit for one match.

So you cannot say for sure that I won’t be going to the West Indies for the World Cup,” Laxman said at Kandivli’s Payyade Sports Club Ground where he coached participants of the television reality show Cricket Star.

ODI myths?

The selection committee has often stated that Laxman’s batting is not suited for the shorter version of the game and that his running between the wickets and fielding are not up to the mark.

Laxman came down heavily on these claims. “I have a very good strike-rate since 2001 in one-dayers. So batting is not a problem like they claim. But I do agree on the running between the wickets bit. I know I am not the quickest in the country but I am not the worst also.

“And I am working on these aspects according to India trainer Gregory King’s routine,” Laxman said.

Laxman’s claims are not unfounded. He has a strike rate of 71.24 and had only played 13 matches before 2001. All of his six centuries and 10 fifties have come after that year.

Slip catcher

About his fielding, Laxman said: “I am very good in the slips. So there is no questioning my catching ability. But I am a little slow as I said. Even slip fielding is important, especially, with the field restrictions on for 20 overs in one-dayers. It cannot be ignored,” he added
 
 

[flute202020]

You know fair or not fair, the way things work in Indian cricket, players who cemented their place in the team are the players who grabbed their chances with one good performance. VVS keeps giving these interviews when not in team, but when he gets a chance, he doesn't use it properly. His strike rate, his record, his skill are fine, but if he is serious about ODI place, next time he gets a chance, he needs to grab it with both hands and come up with an innings like Uthappa or KKD. One good innings and Uthappa is a serious contender for ODIs. Good or bad, that is how things work in India and he needs to realise the same. Unfortunately, people like kaif & VVS get raw deal in Indian cricket. these are the players who are not flamboyant or stroke players, they do not have huge sponsorship contracts, hence they are disposable whenever there is a compromise needed.

[caught and bowled]

Flute,
Mind you, I am equally upset with Laxman and to an extent with Kaif. I agree with you they haven't taken their chances. I also feel that they have always  been unlucky to be the fall guys of Indian cricket. I am also frustrated with Laxman's fielding and running between the wickets. However, all things considered, I feel both of them need to be in the 15 for the world cup.

 The Kaarthicks, Uthappas etc. may be good but are largely untested. All the matches during the WC are going to be do-or-die and we would need players  who have  "been there and done that". In times of crisis, I would much rather place my bet on guy who scored 281 following on against Australia and helped India win from an impossible situation than somebody like a Kaarthick. For the same reason, I would also want Sehwag back whether he does well in the coming two ODIs or not.

 At the end of all the "experimentation" which was carried out in the name of finding out the right combination for the WC , there is  nothing concrete. The players who were supposed to deliver, sadly, were not upto the mark. Both Laxman and Kaif would  lend some solidity and a sense of assuredness to the team.They should be there in the 15. Pls note I am  only saying in the squad of 15, to start with.

[suraj]

What I don't understand is what was the point of including Jaffer and VVS in SA for ODIs and then continuing with otehr batsman

Jaffer was an out and out mistake in ODIs but someone like Lax could have been given couple more chances after his solo ODI there is he was brought back in the team.

With a player like him who can be a matchwinner but with self confessed limitations, why not give him a couple to atleast prove his form and ability vs playing sureshots like SRT, RD and MSD at home all the time. If he fails atleast we will not be left wondering- what if... in case players like Uthapa, GG etc who have only proven themselves at home are abject failures on the WI pitches

[toney]

C&b,
VVS and Kaif? I am all for doing what Brazil usually does which is bood one real youngster for each WC. I am not comparing Brazil with India but the youngsters in most cases dont even get a single game but I am sure they think the exerience is great.
Similarly, I think we should have one real green guy and probably one of MK/VVS. I think MK might be a better choice. Think about it, we have RD as an accumulator, SRT as someone who still looks confised, SG making a comeback... Thats 3 big guys who are not where they should be. Do we need two more confused blokes out there?

[LosingNow]

VVS WC issue discussed here too...

http://www.cricketvoice.com/cricketforum2/index.php?topic=8139.msg106665#msg106665