That was rightly said about Laxman. We Indians are so obsessed with history we become so blind to realise whats the current. Laxman is totally a waste in one-day cricket, simply because he can't understand the nuances of fast-paced-50 overs formula. He's also slow in running between the wickets and also sloppy in fielding. He should never be considered for one-day at all. But, there are others who crib that he wasn't picked up for the last world cup. In fact, we came to the finals because he wasn't there.
We should stop this obsession of Laxman and give more 'chances' to Rayudu and other promising players. The same would apply for Parthiv Patel. We should just leave this obsession that he's young and all that. He hardly improved from his goal-keeping to wicket-keeping.
I am pretty much impressed with the analysis that has been given in this particular column.Its worth reading, if u r an Indian.It has all points abt the Indian team,the required tactic used in telling us abt Laxman's place in the side. Dear writer, im also of the view that Laxman shud sit out of the side when Tendulkar gets back into the side[atleast in ODI's]
Its worth a keeper who save 20 runs and score 20 runs and also with the vigil for cool gatherings and stunnings stumpings (break-throughs) than just keep a buffer seventh batsman who is bound to fail. I hv so far never seen all seven clicks at the same time (its rather not possible to see in a 50 over game).
So Ideally Gang shld go with Dinesh Karthick as a pure keeper who has already started making valuable impacts to the result (natwest third match) and also a kinda of reliable partner for the last specialist batsman in the line up, who may be Rahul or Kaif.
but wonder what wud happen if Sachin is back in line up. I would still feel Sehwag is being given too many chances for his very few match Gang/Tendy combination with Lax, Kaif, Yuvi, Rahul would better form the batting line up. Similarly, Pathan, Nehra, Bajji and Balaji/now Amit would make sense to the bowling armoury.
I have followed cricket for the past 40 years. I know, Laxman is one of our best players. He is equal to Sachin and Dravid and that is the reason, his name figured on the list .
He is gem of a player but he was given harsh treatment at the time of world cup. Even Kaif, Yuvrag cannot be compared to Laxman. Both Kaif and Yuvraj are the best fielders of our country and definately their batting is not upto the level of Laxman. He is VVS. VVS should be given the same type of treatment similar to that of Sachin and Dravid.
Bull shit maaan!.. he cudnt get a 4 away and you are supporting him?.. and u say this after he bats against Kenya!.,. ridiculous!.. against Kenya if somebody gets a 70 he shud get a 100!.. team spirit shud be shown is crucial matches.. see wat ur Ganguly has done... he did not make opening bowlers finish their overs>?.. wat happens if Ind Pak match is abondoned?.. they wud not make these silly mistakes.. he is NOT captaincy material!..
he shud have let Kathik open the innings!.. he shdu have tried diff things with Kenya// if we go thru..our semi final is with Aussies.. McGrath will send SG back in not more than 3 balls!.. who next>? Laxman.. they will make him eat ball! ;-)..
he shud make bajji or pathan an allrounder and keep Dravid at 4. He shud come at 5 wen he can hit the spinners!,,,, the writingz on the wall.. but people dont want to read !!
still glad to be an indian.. if not for u people who do hero-wroship.. a cricketer wud not be a celebrity!
Its not only Ganguly, Laxman/Tendulkar are also guilty of doing the same and the latter guy numerous times. It is unfair of Panicker to point out that Ganguly alone.
Ganguly has lotsa times accelarated after he hreached his 50.
It makes absolute sense. Pick him for number three or don't pick him at all.
Also, once Tendulkar comes back it should be Tendulkar-Ganguly-Laxman-Kaif-Dravid-Sehwag-Yuvi-Karthik line up. You can always change Kaif-Dravid-Sehwag-Yuvi line up depending on the situation.
One more thing is the bowling lineup. Why don't they pick the best bowlers we have. You know that it can't get better than Kumble & Bajji combination. Why you want to break that and pick Agarker. Stick with the four best bowlers you have Pathan-Nehra-Kuble-Bajji
