SJS
Hall of Fame Member
As usual there is a lot of misinformation about Laxman's one day record. The fact is that while his test record is far better his one day batting had improved and he was made the scape goat after the didadtrous NZL tour before the WC 2002. John Wright goes close to admitting that in his book.
Laxman had his best year in 2004 scoring (against non-minnows) 555 runs in 17 innings at 32.6 each and a strike rate of 70.6. Not earth shattering but nothing to be ashamed of and figures some of the current batsmen would presently love to have.
The last of those innings was in August 2004. He has played only two innings in two years and three months since then.
We may feel he should not be in the side but lets not do so much injustice to him.
There are players who are easy to drop Laxman and Kumble are two such. There have been others before them. Mohinder is a prime example. All those who talk of the grave injustice done to Mohinder during his career were silent when it was happening. The media too does not make a racket for people who do not have an AURA. And the fans lap up the propaganda. But from 'educated' followers of the game one expects better.
Laxman is not one of the greatest batsmen India has produced in the limited overs game but nor is he one of the worst and he deserves better support from public who will keep ranting for Ganguly as he fails against school boys and maybe even schoolgirls.
Lets be fair and objective.
India is in trouble and the batting is looking bereft of class. Laxmans name needs serious consideration at leats and to discard him as a relic doesnt reflect so much on the stylish batsman's merit but on the beholder's lack of objectivity.
Laxman had his best year in 2004 scoring (against non-minnows) 555 runs in 17 innings at 32.6 each and a strike rate of 70.6. Not earth shattering but nothing to be ashamed of and figures some of the current batsmen would presently love to have.
The last of those innings was in August 2004. He has played only two innings in two years and three months since then.
We may feel he should not be in the side but lets not do so much injustice to him.
There are players who are easy to drop Laxman and Kumble are two such. There have been others before them. Mohinder is a prime example. All those who talk of the grave injustice done to Mohinder during his career were silent when it was happening. The media too does not make a racket for people who do not have an AURA. And the fans lap up the propaganda. But from 'educated' followers of the game one expects better.
Laxman is not one of the greatest batsmen India has produced in the limited overs game but nor is he one of the worst and he deserves better support from public who will keep ranting for Ganguly as he fails against school boys and maybe even schoolgirls.
Lets be fair and objective.
India is in trouble and the batting is looking bereft of class. Laxmans name needs serious consideration at leats and to discard him as a relic doesnt reflect so much on the stylish batsman's merit but on the beholder's lack of objectivity.
