VVS Laxman may survive axe

It was in December-January that India got whitewashed in Australia, leading to a nationwide clamour for the heads of the seniors in the Test side. Rahul Dravid, one of the seniors, got a conscience call and voluntarily announced retirement, putting pressure on VVS Laxman, another ageing bat whose decline has been rapid, to follow suit. The Hyderabadi batsman is yet to spell out his future plan. Sooner rather than later, he will have to take a call.

Laxman’s average during the four-Test series against Australia Down Under was 19.38. Prior to that in the series against England, his numbers were equally pathetic – an average 22.75 in four Tests. Between two below-par performances is a 298-run aggregate @ 99.33 against West Indies in a three-Test home series.

Six months on, the anger among the fans may have been subsided a little and the debacle Down Under may have been forgotten a bit. Yet, Laxman is unlikely to escape censure, for the mood among the selectors is that of disappointment.

When Krishnamachari Srikkanth & Co meet at the board headquarters on Friday to announce the squad for the two Tests against New Zealand, the 37-year-old will be the main topic of discussion.

There’s a school of thought that the New Zealand series could be India’s best chance to blood a youngster before taking on the Englishmen in October. Conversely, without Laxman, India falls a touch short of experience, with only Sachin Tendulkar around to shore up the middle-order.

Thus, it’s highly unlikely that the 134-Test veteran will get the axe. For the time being, Laxman seems to be on a safe wicket. The stylist right-hander possesses the backing of a few selectors, despite a poor record in recent times. Sources in the selection committee say Laxman might get one last chance and it is up to the veteran batsman to cash in.

Meanwhile, Cheteshwar Pujara is set to occupy the position vacated by Rahul Dravid. It would be interesting to see where the team management slots Pujara who has the attributes to bat at number three, a position Dravid had made his own.
Sachin Tendulkar, who opted out of the recent ODI series in Sri Lanka, will be back. Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli pick themselves in what is a much-vaunted batting line-up in home conditions.

While Zaheer Khan and Umesh Yadav will be the frontline quicks, there could be a debate on the third pacer’s position. Irfan Pathan, despite his impressive performance in Sri Lanka, may have to wait for a Test recall.

R Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha will comprise the spin attack, with a leg-spinner, preferably Rahul Sharma, likely to be chosen as the third spinner.

The selectors are also likely to announce the team for the World T20 in Sri Lanka, with Yuvraj Singh being the point of interest. Yuvraj could be in the squad if he clears the fitness test.