Very Very Slow
This may sound a bit statement like, but I do believe - it's time to get rid of Very Very Slow Laxman(in LOI). His innings against Kenya not withstanding. I haven't jumped up on the idea in one day. This has been my belief since the day Laxman had cast his aspiration for a place in Indian one day side.
One day Cricket sets different sort of demands from a player. If a player is not exceptionally talented, it may still do - but, if the player is not athletic - he/she stands out like a sore thumb. VVS is not only inathletic, he doesn't work towards improving it. All he looks for is those drives, flicks and pulls. He tries to do that all the time regardless of the bowler or conditions. It never occurs to him that one can take or 'steal' singles too.
His doesn't make use of those Hyderabadi wrists to tap for a single. Not because he can't do that, but just that pacing those twenty yards is too much an effort. Therefore, he looks for shortcuts. He never gives much a thought to 'doubles' and spends more energy in crying 'NO' than actually taking the run. A 'triple' run with him is unheard of. In the process he wastes a lot of deliveries and puts extra pressure on coming batsmen.
Same is the case of his fielding. The only place he can be put is slips. This is not because he is a Mark Waugh or Shane Warne in the slips but due to the fact that his chasing in the field is second only to Nehra.
Laxman reportedly was 'hurt' for being left out of World Cup side. I think selectors took a smart decision. His stay at the crease would have meant lesser deliveries for Yuvraj, Dravid and Kaif. Even Tendulkar feels pressure when he is at the other end. His replacement Dinesh Mongia did great favour by getting out without wasting much of the deliveries in WC( except against England match). With him, I doubt India would have reached finals.
Against Kenya as well, fast scoring was not on till he was there. As soon as he was out, India scored 77 out of just 41 balls. Running and improvisation was at it's best. Laxman can't do either.
Time is ripe to ease Laxman out as soon as Tendulkar is fit, and play with a specialist keeper. He is apt for Test matches only.
One day Cricket sets different sort of demands from a player. If a player is not exceptionally talented, it may still do - but, if the player is not athletic - he/she stands out like a sore thumb. VVS is not only inathletic, he doesn't work towards improving it. All he looks for is those drives, flicks and pulls. He tries to do that all the time regardless of the bowler or conditions. It never occurs to him that one can take or 'steal' singles too.
His doesn't make use of those Hyderabadi wrists to tap for a single. Not because he can't do that, but just that pacing those twenty yards is too much an effort. Therefore, he looks for shortcuts. He never gives much a thought to 'doubles' and spends more energy in crying 'NO' than actually taking the run. A 'triple' run with him is unheard of. In the process he wastes a lot of deliveries and puts extra pressure on coming batsmen.
Same is the case of his fielding. The only place he can be put is slips. This is not because he is a Mark Waugh or Shane Warne in the slips but due to the fact that his chasing in the field is second only to Nehra.
Laxman reportedly was 'hurt' for being left out of World Cup side. I think selectors took a smart decision. His stay at the crease would have meant lesser deliveries for Yuvraj, Dravid and Kaif. Even Tendulkar feels pressure when he is at the other end. His replacement Dinesh Mongia did great favour by getting out without wasting much of the deliveries in WC( except against England match). With him, I doubt India would have reached finals.
Against Kenya as well, fast scoring was not on till he was there. As soon as he was out, India scored 77 out of just 41 balls. Running and improvisation was at it's best. Laxman can't do either.
Time is ripe to ease Laxman out as soon as Tendulkar is fit, and play with a specialist keeper. He is apt for Test matches only.
posted by Unknown at 9:54 AM
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