http://www.senore.com/Cricket/G-Gambhir-c1447 backs beleaguered Laxman - Cricket News Update
Indian opener, Gautam Gambhir, has come out in favour of his beleaguered teammate http://www.senore.com/Cricket/VVS-Laxman-c2772, saying it’s not only Laxman but the whole Indian batting line up that has flopped against Australian bowlers in the ongoing Test series.
The 30-year-old hard hitting opening batsman from http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Delhi-c780 hailed Laxman as a legendary Indian cricketer who has done a lot for country cricket and does not deserve such criticism.
"My question is why one person? The top seven batters are equally to blame. We have failed as a unit, why then Laxman alone?” questioned a scathing Gambhir at a press conference after a practice session at WACA, Perth.
Just a month ago, Laxman had reached Australia as one of the most successful Indian batsman down under. Indian selectors and fans had a lot of expectations with the veteran batsman, but the 37-year-old http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Andhra-c764 Pradesh batsman failed to live up to the hopes,
as he made just 102 runs from past six innings at an unimposing average of 17.
Laxman’s back to back failures with the bat in the ongoing series led to growing calls for his exclusion from the side in favour of some young blood.
Last week some BCCI officials, on the condition of anonymity claimed that the legendary batsman is mulling over bidding adieu to international cricket after the Test series against Australia, adding that if he did not retire, selectors will show him the
door. But Gambhir insisted retirement should not be forced on Laxman and that he is free to choose when he wants to quit.
"He is a legend of Indian cricket. He has served Indian cricket for a very, very long time. There shouldn't be anyone who would be deciding. It should be him and him alone who should do so,” said Gambhir.
"If criticism has to happen, it should happen not to one person but to the entire batting unit who have let the team down. Neither media, fans nor former cricketers would decide if he is to retire. He is still working very hard, it's a matter of just one innings
and his confidence would be back," he added further.
The fourth and final Test against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 starting on January 24 at Adelaide Oval will provide Laxman one last chance to prove himself. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope to see a true Laxman in action next week.
Tags: