Sourav Ganguly Reveals VVS Laxman's Silence: Untold Story and the Reason Behind Their Relationship Dynamics.
  • 508 views
  • 2 min read

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has revealed that VVS Laxman, a stalwart of Indian cricket, didn't speak to him for a significant period after being excluded from the squad for the 2003 World Cup. This revelation sheds light on the complexities of team selection and the personal impact such decisions can have on players, even those of Laxman's caliber.

Ganguly, in a recent interaction, stated that Laxman was "unhappy and naturally upset" after the announcement of the World Cup squad. The exclusion was a major blow for Laxman, who, despite his immense talent and contributions to Indian cricket, never had the opportunity to represent the nation in a World Cup game. Ganguly admitted that the decision led to a strained relationship, with Laxman not speaking to him for about three months.

The reason behind Laxman's omission from the 2003 World Cup squad was a strategic one. The selectors and captain Ganguly were looking to bolster the team's all-round capabilities. Dinesh Mongia was ultimately chosen over Laxman, primarily due to his superior fielding skills and perceived utility as a handy all-rounder. This decision, however, was not without controversy.

Former India chief selector Kiran More revealed that initially, all five selectors had picked Laxman for the squad. However, Ganguly, along with then-coach John Wright, opposed the move, preferring an all-rounder in the middle order. More recounted that there were extensive discussions among the stakeholders, including the captain, coach, and vice-captain Rahul Dravid, before the final decision was made. Ultimately, the selectors yielded to the wishes of the captain and coach, leading to Laxman's exclusion.

Ganguly has acknowledged the sensitivity of such selection decisions, stating that it's natural for players to be upset when rested or dropped, especially for a major tournament like the World Cup. He also emphasized that the decision was not personal but was made in the best interests of the team, according to the team management at the time.

Despite the initial fallout, Ganguly also highlighted Laxman's strong comeback to the ODI team after the World Cup. Laxman subsequently delivered crucial performances in series against Pakistan and Australia, proving his mettle and reinforcing his value to the team. Ganguly noted that Laxman's performances after his return demonstrated his motivation and commitment to Indian cricket, further emphasizing that the earlier decision was purely based on team composition needs and not any personal bias.

The 2003 World Cup remains a memorable campaign for India, where they reached the final but lost to Australia. While Mongia, who replaced Laxman, didn't have a particularly impactful tournament, the decision to prioritize an all-rounder reflected the team's strategy at the time.

In retrospect, this incident underscores the difficult choices that captains and selectors often face, balancing individual aspirations with the collective needs of the team. It also highlights the importance of communication and understanding in managing player relationships, especially when dealing with sensitive decisions that can significantly impact a player's career. Despite the temporary strain in their relationship, both Ganguly and Laxman have remained respected figures in Indian cricket, contributing immensely to the sport in various capacities, both on and off the field. Both have since moved on, with Ganguly even commenting that Laxman's stature is the reason he is the new NCA head in 2021. In April 2025, both Ganguly and Laxman were re-appointed to the ICC Men's Cricket Committee, showing a continued bond.


Writer - Nisha Gupta
Nisha Gupta is a driven journalist, eager to make her mark in the media landscape, fueled by a passion for sports. With a strong academic background in communication and a sharp analytical mind, she excels at research. Nisha is particularly drawn to stories about technological advancements and their societal impact, aiming to deliver insightful, well-rounded reports that inform and engage her audience. Her love for sports also inspires her pursuit of objective analysis and compelling narratives.
Advertisement

Latest Post


World  |  Aug 18, 2025
Tragedy struck in the Gharota area on the outskirts of Jammu on Sunday evening as an eight-year-old boy was fatally crushed by a speeding SUV. The young victim, Harsh Singh, was returning home with his father from their agricultural field when the in...

Sports  |  Aug 18, 2025
Lamine Yamal is stepping into the spotlight at Barcelona, embracing the pressure that comes with joining a club steeped in history and কিংবদন্তি. The young player, who Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has called "touched by the wand of God," has been ha...

Technology  |  Aug 18, 2025
Ethereum (ETH) is currently navigating a critical juncture, with analysts closely observing price movements for signals of a potential retest of $3. 9K followed by a substantial rally. Recent market behavior shows ETH consolidating within a $3,900 to ...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
Parliamentary proceedings have addressed key issues ranging from digital payment policies to skill development initiatives for adolescent girls. Here's a summary of the important updates: **No Transaction Charges on UPI Payments** The government ha...

Advertisement
World  |  Aug 18, 2025
On Monday, August 18, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin contacted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide a briefing on his recent summit with U. S. President Donald Trump in Alaska. The call, which was initiated by Putin, aimed to share i...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition challenging the validity of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, effectively upholding the Bombay High Court's previous decision. The petition, filed by Chetan Chandrakant Ahire, alleged that approximate...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Income Tax Department is intensifying its investigation into US-based investor Jane Street's Indian operations, seeking clarity on the firm's control and potential tax avoidance. This probe follows a Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) ...

Sports  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Premier League is back, with Leeds United hosting Everton at Elland Road to wrap up Matchweek 1 of the 2025-26 season. After a two-season absence, Leeds returns to the Premier League after winning the EFL Championship last season. Everton finishe...

Advertisement

About   •   Terms   •   Privacy
© 2025 DailyDigest360