VRS for VVS? Nonsense

So, the long march into retirement has begun for India's seniors. What irks me though is the fact that each of these reports mentions VVS Laxman. The best of a very bad middle-order lot in Sri Lanka, he averages 50.94 from 13 Tests over the past year. And though his troublesome knees mean that he'll never be a Roger Harper in the field, he's the only one of the Fab Five (including Kumble) whose best years are not conclusively behind him.

In the near future, it's easy to see an Indian side with Laxman batting at No.3. Being the fulcrum of the side may finally rid him of the feeling that he's undervalued, and it will also inject some impetus into innings that seem to lose their way once Virender Sehwag gets out.

Ganguly's time already appears to have run out, and it will be interesting to see if either Rahul Dravid or Sachin Tendulkar stay on past the tour of New Zealand next April. Laxman isn't even 34 yet, and calls for his head are utter nonsense. Against his favourite opponents, he may just prove why.

Comments

[neilsrini]

gangully will outlast the rest of them. he has more power than anyone can imagine and friends in high places

[bunty]

ive always been a vvs fan and if hes still one of the best slip catchers -n not bad at silly point-in the indian team he neednt field elsewhere
but i do believe this is the end of the road; he has still scored a few runs but without his usual grace; but yes he shouldnt be the first of the fab 5 to go; others are ahead of him; if sachin doesnt score in the first 2 tests his spot will be under scrutiny too

[Dom O'Reilly]

Let's hope so. VVS has been poorly treated over the years and might prove to a player whose influence and importance is far more obvious once he has gone.