VVS Laxman has been an amzing prospect in the Indian Middle Order ever since he played junior cricket.As an avid follower, I used to remember how he, Muzumdar, Dravid and Sharath, Off the fabolous four, only Rahul and Laxman made it to the Indian XI, and I looked upon Laxman to shine as a test batsmsn, which he eventually did.There shall be no second thoughts on the utility and the value of Laxman as a middle order batsman in Test Matches.But his position in the current one day team is something very absurd.
The Indian Cricket Team today is not the same as it was a couple of years back.It is been a side which shows great energy, great innovations, great hardwork if not great talent.The One Day Side has really no place in the middle order with Sehwag and Sachin, Sourav and Rahul, Kaif and Yuveraj.The remaining five spots are to be taken by a couple of all rounders and three specialist bowlers, which India is in still deep hunt of.Frankly there is no space for Laxman
If at all, we consider Laxman to come in as a substitute, there is no way thanks to his lopsy fielding.Laxman does make a good close in catcher, but agility and running hard in the field are not his cup of tea.It would be effecient to gore for a more energetic and atheletic fielder like Agarkar.
Even when he there is injury, its my humble prayer that Laxman doesnt hop in as a replacement.There are players like Badani who could field well, or players like YV Rao and Ambati Rayudu who can bowl a little apart from great batting and fielding.It has to be noted that every top order batsman in India cricket does two effecient things.While Sourav bats, bowls and leads his team, Sehwag and Sachin deliver with the bat and ball whenever necessary, identically with a smile.While Rahul does a considerable job donning the keepers gloves, Yuveraj and Kaif field for five persons.In this structure Laxman is handicap with only batting to be proud off.
So Countrymen, Its not an issue that Laxman is a quality batsman, its that his way of cricket dosent augur well with the new breed of Indian Cricket, in One Day Internationals.