VVS Laxman has finally spoken out of what one always believed was the case. Talking to the cricket website, Cricinfo, he said that he was worried about India’s lack of spinning options in the domestic cricket.
Only recently, Ian Chappell had been critical of the Indian side saying that because of the lack of the frontline, top class bowlers, India will find it difficult to remain at the number one spot in Tests. However, the captain MS Dhoni had strongly retorted back by saying that one cannot get to the number one position without possessing the bowling to scalp the opposition twenty wickets.
Laxman said that the Indian side continues to struggle to find spinners, except the ones in the current side. Currently, India has three spinners in their ranks, an off-spinner in Harbhajan Singh, a leg-spinner in Amit Mishra, and left-armer Prgyan Ojha. However, Harbhajan Singh’s recent record hasn’t been any good, whereas Mishra and Ojha have been struggling to get going as the second spinner in the side.
Laxman said, “I am really not happy with the bowlers I am seeing. I think the quality of bowlers, especially the spinners will definitely be a worrying factor for the Indian team.”
Laxman though felt that the Indians will not have any issues with the batting line-up even after the retirement of the greats. With not a lot of cricket left for the likes of himself, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar, it is only natural to expect that India will be looking behind their shoulders to check on the progress of the next big thing in Indian cricket. Laxman, on his part, has named the ikes of Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma and even the ICL-discard, Ambati Rayadu as suitable replacements.
Laxman also said that while he thought that the Test cricket will continue to survive despite the advent of the T20 format, he sees the ODIs struggling to survive the onslaught. He added that he hoped for the ICC to take up some steps for the same; “But one-day cricket will be under pressure, especially after the advent of Twenty20. I am sure ICC will take necessary steps to make it more interesting.”
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Stylish right hander is absolutely right. India laaging to provide quality spinners. even some times bhajji looks like ordinary spinner. In present time england off spinner Graeme Swan is best.