Credibility of the game has to be restored: VVS Laxman

MUMBAI: When he batted, he left you spell-bound. It isn't much different when he talks - VVS Laxman brings a 'special' touch to everything he does. Thoroughly enjoying his second 'innings' as a TV commentator and being a part of the special 'advisory panel' of the BCCI, Laxman took time out for an exclusive tete-a-tete with TOI on Wednesday after he signed up with a Mumbai-based website.EXCERPTS:
There's a growing perception that former cricketers are not allowed to air their views freely while commentating...
I've never, ever come across something like this. There have been times when I have spoken about selection issues. When India played Bangladesh recently, I talked about changes to be made, and also on various other policies. Like I've mentioned, I wasn't convinced about the Decision Review System (DRS) because I feel it isn't fool-proof. No one has ever inhibited me from commenting on what I feel about the game or its various aspects.
How has your experience been as part of the BCCI's special advisory committee?
The first meeting was fruitful. The most important thing is the future of Indian cricket. The need of the hour is to identify and mentor spinners and fast bowlers because we're fortunate to always have talented batsmen at our disposal. We will give various suggestions for the development of Indian cricket.
Your take on the mess in the IPL, and the way forward after the Justice Lodha committee order...
I'm sure the BCCI is taking necessary steps to look after the interests of players. I always believed that the IPL is one of the best things to happen to Indian cricket, for the simple reason that the amount of exposure and experience that (domestic) Indian cricketers are getting while playing with the stalwarts of world cricket is invaluable. Being the mentor of Sunrisers Hyderabad, I can vouch for that. Yes, this unfortunate incident has happened and I'm sure the credibility of the game has to be restored. The BCCI will make sure that this will be addressed.
Please clarify this once and for all. Did you avoid calling MS Dhoni during your 'retirement party' in 2012?
(Laughs) It was very unfortunate that during that one week after I announced my retirement, there was a 'rift' created between me and Dhoni, which is not at all true. Firstly, there was no party. It came out in the media as 'Laxman threw a big bash' after announcing his retirement. But there was no party.
It's just that four of my friends, with whom I spent a lot of time while playing for India, wanted me to come to the hotel, but I instead invited them to my new home for a simple dinner because we had just moved to a new place. The house wasn't even ready. Unfortunately, the media blew it out of proportion saying I didn't invite Dhoni, and invited the rest of the team, which is untrue. And they blamed Dhoni for my retirement, even after I had said that my inner voice forced me to take the decision for the good of Indian cricket. It's unfortunate because throughout my career I never faced such a situation.
But when I quit, I did, which was uncalled for (laughs again).
Does the Indian team need a coach, or are we good with Ravi Shastri (team director)?
It's important to find the people who are eyeing to become the coach. It's important to have the right person. I feel that Shastri has done well as a team director, even when Duncan (Fletcher) was there as the coach. I've always been impressed with the way Ravi has handled the team. In 2007, he was the coach in Bangladesh and he did really well. It also depends on who the other candidates are. I firmly believe that a coach's role is very important along with the captain. The best person, whether an Indian or foreigner, has to be selected to coach the Indian team.
Is it time to hand over the limited-overs captaincy to Virat Kohli?
I don't think so. I still feel Dhoni has more to contribute to Indian cricket. I've never ever understood why people want 'MS' to leave. He is still one of the best match-winners India have in ODIs and T20 cricket.
The Duleep Trophy won't be held this season...
It is unfortunate. I'm a big fan of the Duleep Trophy. I think a packed domestic season, especially with the World T20 coming in, forced the BCCI to take this decision. I remember that my Duleep performances in the 1994-95 and 1995-96 season got me close to Indian team selection. But the decision will be revived after a year.
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