— File Photo: K. Murali Kumar

READY FOR ANOTHER ATTEMPT: A World Cup berth has eluded V.V.S. Laxman, but he is confident of winning a place this time after being named among the Champions Trophy probables.

HYDERABAD: V.V.S Laxman has quite often proved his prowess to lift his team out of crisis with his patient and technically sound batting skills. He has also shown the composure to believe in himself and make a comeback to the Indian side, whenever he was overlooked by the National selectors.

When Laxman became the only Indian batsman in one-day cricket to hit three centuries in the span of a week during the tri-series Down Under more than a year ago, and then followed it up with a century against Pakistan to help India clinch the one-day series 3-2, many thought he would be in the one-day squad for a few years from then. But the selectors thought otherwise.

And no wonder then the batsman, who is so keen to play a World Cup match, is on cloud nine after being included among the Champions Trophy probables after playing his last one-day match in August 2005.

Good feeling

In an exclusive chat with The Hindu, Laxman — who has played in 85 one-dayers (2338 runs, six centuries, 10 fifties, average of 31.17) — said: "It's a good feeling. It shows that I still figure in the one-day scheme of things. The World Cup is still a long way off. I am looking at this selection positively and am trying to make most of the opportunities that come my way over the next few months.

Laxman, however, said the current phase was the most decisive one in his one-day career. "Exactly for this reason, I have been working a lot on fitness and fielding. These are the two areas where the team management sets much higher standards.

"I have not done that badly in one-dayers. But, it could have been better. Being a stroke-player, my strike-rate is neither poor. It is only a matter of time before I rediscover my one-day form," he exuded confidence.

Laxman, who won the Wisden Cricketer of the Year award in 2002, doesn't think there is any need to change his batting style at this stage of his career.

Change of style

"I think my natural game suits both one-day and Test cricket," he added.

Laxman is a bit sad that he could not become a regular in the one-day squad. When asked whether all outstanding performances were ignored and only the negatives highlighted in his case, he says: "May be. But I cannot comment on things which are beyond my control," he explained.

Laxman, whose 77 Tests have fetched him 4698 runs at an average of 42.70 with 10 centuries and 25 fifties, said he felt disappointed to see some reports before the West Indies tour that even his Test place was on trial.

"It's surprising how these things keep cropping up. As far as I know, I am an integral part of the Test team.

"The 2004-2005 season of course was not that great for me. But, I have decided to think of the future and not think much about the future," he said.

Whenever he is low on confidence he looks to his father Dr.V. Shantaram. "I find him my best advisor. I discuss various aspects of the game with him and he is always there to encourage me. In fact, my entire family including my uncle Baba Mohan have been a source of strength for me in any crisis," he remarked.

For Laxman, class is permanent, but the confidence of selectors in him seems to be temporary. By all means, this famous Hyderabadi is determined to put to an end to the uncertainty over his career for one and all — by standout performances in both forms of cricket if given the opportunity to do so.

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