Sourav Ganguly, the former Indian captain, recently shared an anecdote about his relationship with VVS Laxman, revealing that the stylish Hyderabadi batsman had stopped talking to him for a period of three months after being dropped from the team. This revelation sheds light on the intense emotions and pressures that can exist within a cricket team, even amongst close teammates.
Ganguly's statement underscores the complexities of team dynamics and the difficult decisions captains and selectors often have to make. Dropping a player, especially a significant one like Laxman, is never easy and can have repercussions on personal relationships. It highlights the human element in professional sports, where camaraderie and competition intersect.
The context of Laxman's dropping, though not explicitly mentioned in Ganguly's recent statement, is likely related to the 2003 ODI World Cup squad selection. According to reports, Laxman was in contention for a spot in the squad, but Sourav Ganguly insisted on including an all-rounder instead. This decision, reportedly supported by then-coach John Wright, led to Dinesh Mongia being selected over Laxman. Former India chief selector Kiran More revealed that all five selectors initially favored Laxman but ultimately conceded to Ganguly's and Wright's insistence on an all-rounder.
This incident highlights the sometimes conflicting priorities of a captain, who must balance individual talent with the perceived needs of the team. Ganguly, known for his shrewd cricketing mind, likely believed that an all-rounder would provide greater flexibility and balance to the squad, even if it meant leaving out a gifted batsman like Laxman.
Laxman's reaction to being dropped, as Ganguly revealed, is understandable. Missing out on a World Cup is a significant blow for any cricketer, and it's natural to feel disappointed and hurt. His decision to not speak to Ganguly for three months suggests the depth of his disappointment and the personal impact of the decision.
Despite this period of silence, Ganguly and Laxman eventually reconciled and maintained a respectful relationship. In fact, Laxman has even acknowledged Ganguly as his favorite captain. This speaks volumes about their understanding and respect for each other, both as cricketers and as individuals. It is also worth noting that Ganguly himself has admitted that dropping Laxman may have been a mistake. Reflecting on the move, Ganguly has acknowledged Laxman's potential in all formats of the game.
Ganguly has also publicly stated that Laxman's epic 281 against Australia in 2001 not only saved the Test match but also his captaincy career. This further emphasizes the respect and admiration Ganguly holds for Laxman's abilities. The two have a long history, both playing together and serving as members of the Cricket Advisory Committee of BCCI. More recently, both Ganguly and Laxman have been appointed to the ICC Men's Cricket Committee, with Ganguly as the Chair and Laxman as a member.
The story serves as a reminder that even the strongest teams can have internal conflicts and disagreements. However, the ability to overcome these challenges and maintain respectful relationships is a testament to the character and professionalism of the individuals involved. It also offers a glimpse into the high-pressure environment of professional cricket, where decisions can have far-reaching consequences, both on and off the field.
