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A phase to pass
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V.V.S. Laxman is trying to prove his mettle by cashing in on every Hyderabad match
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WHAT MADE V.V.S. Laxman play for Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy match against Punjab? "I have been going through a bad patch in international cricket. Not that I was not batting well but I was somehow not able to concentrate and thereby never lasted more than one session except in the Mumbai Test against Australia (that was a match-winning knock). So, I really wanted to work out on this aspect and play a match-winning knock to help the team win here," is the honest confession from the champion batsman. He also made light of the criticism that his fielding was being projected as one of the negative factors for his selection. "I don't agree with this. In fact, there is great improvement in my catching," he reminded.
For all those who saw the way Laxman led from the front against Punjab, the intensity could not be ignored. He displayed the attitude of a civil engineer. Taking a vantage position right where the striker was about to take his stance to get his (Laxman's) field placements perfectly right. The minor adjustments in the field and the frequent pep talks to his bowlers were invariably made right under the nose of the batsmen at the wicket. This is a new brand of psychology he was experimenting and it worked wonders against Punjab. "This is psychology at its best," acknowledges assistant coach Vivek Jaisimha.
Proving a point
And he has a point to prove, again rather unfortunately given his class, to the national selectors. "It was not really difficult for me to get into top gear. I have seen these things earlier. So my primary objective was to play a real good knock and spend a long time at the wicket. I personally think that 79 in the first innings on a bowler-friendly strip was a pretty good effort as it ultimately helped us win the match," he explained on how he motivated himself for this match which he could have otherwise skipped if on national duty.
Unlike many of the critics who had already written off the exciting batting talent of Ambati Tirupati Rayudu, Laxman has a word of appreciation for him. "You should feel bad if he is not batting well. It is obvious he is going through a lean patch. But, importantly, he is getting out when looking good at the wicket. This is a positive sign and it is only a question of one big knock which should make a sea-change in his attitude," says Laxman, apparently aware of the number of comebacks he himself made at the highest level.
Intensity matters
On what really impressed him about the Hyderabad team, he says, "The intensity with which the boys played. I liked their attitude. No doubt, there are a couple of areas where we can improve. Definitely, we take it match by match instead of how to win the Ranji Trophy itself. And this win against Punjab should lift our morale for they arrived here as group toppers with 16 points," says the Hyderabad captain Laxman.
On the prospects of Hyderabad qualifying for the knock-out phase, Laxman feels that they should be primarily aiming for the extra bonus point against Assam in the last league match.
"Well, we cannot dismiss off any team lightly in the game of cricket. But that should be our first objective," he insists.
Laxman signed off saying that he loves to lead Hyderabad and play with his old teammates.
"I consider it a privilege to play for the State team which helped me grow in my career. There is a special feeling which I always cherish," says the touch-artiste with the bat playing his first Ranji match after nearly two seasons.
V.V. SUBRAHMANYAM
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