After being in the spotlight of Indian cricket from 1992 to 2013, Hyderabad’s stylish batsman VVS Laxman, has stepped into the exciting world of “Digitial journalism”. Quite thrilled to play the media role that he has seen from the dressing room side for more than 20 years, Laxman told ‘ The Hindu ’ that he will be the Chief Cricket Mentor of website ‘ >cricketcountry.com ’. “There are a number of young writers and editors with the website. I will be interacting with them on a regular basis, write articles and be part of a chat show with fans. I will advise the content the users want to read. Digital platform has a big reach and I am looking forward to the new role that will connect me with the followers of the game.”
Part and parcel of the famous Indian middle order phalanx which consisted of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly — some critics have put VVS ahead of the other three on occasions because of his sublime forward and backplay on either side of the wicket — Laxman has never lost touch with the game after announcing his retirement; he has guided the fortunes of the IPL team Sunrisers, Hyderabad.
Unfortunate Responding to the crisis of sorts the IPL is facing following the elimination of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from the next two years, Laxman said: “It’s an unfortunate situation. The IPL is a good tournament; it’s helped India’s junior and budding cricketers to rub shoulders with India and world’s best professional cricketers. Many have blossomed in the IPL. I am sure the IPL GC’s Working Group will find a solution to the current situation.’’
When asked to comment on India’s 1-2 defeat against Bangladesh in the recent one-day series, Laxman, felt that the Indian batsmen were not able to read the cutters sent down with change of pace by left-arm seamer Mustafizur Rahman in the first two matches. “They had a plan against him in the third which they won handsomely. But Bangladesh is also playing these days with the intention of winning matches and they have started believing in themselves from the last World Cup. India did well in Zimbabwe. It’s always good to have more options for different positions in the batting order which also reflects on the bench strength.
Laxman also had some good words to say about stand-in captain, Ajinkya Rahane. “He’s the most improved cricketer I have noticed in recent times. He’s also doing well in the short version of the game. He comes across as a man with a balanced and stable head on his shoulders and not given to emotions.”
There has been some criticism about the BCCI’s decision to drop the Duleep Trophy this season. “I believe the Duleep Trophy will be revived next year and that they could not schedule it because of the need to prepare for the Under-19 and Twenty20 World Cup. It’s an important tournament for me,’’ said Laxman.
