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.
