Laxman’s Waterloo?

I have always wanted to dwell on this subject. Sometimes, I fail to understand as to why people cannot do justice to their talent. It has happened so very often in this game of glorious uncertainties when the "also ran" takes centre stage… and the "Blessed" stand as mere mortals... just like another drop in the ocean... seeming very ordinary, blending with the crowd and defying the very purpose of their existence.

These are the men whose names evoke feelings of fear and respect on the field; men whose wickets are always prized, for they belong to a special pedigree: a class that separates the "blessed" from the mortals.

I shall stick only to the career of VVS Laxman; someone who is destined to scale the Everest, but who might end up settling for the hill. Very few batsmen, whom I have come across in all my years of watching cricket, bat with such charming grace. His strokes are like gentle wafts, the willow in his hand more reminiscent of a painters brush, making abstract patterns that only the discerning can fathom. He is "blessed" in every sense of the term. He does things with such nonchalant ease that more often than not he seems to be in a world of his own. A world that is characterized by an all-prevailing calm… so very different from the turbulent lifestyles of today. However, this laidback attitude may prove to be his 'Achilles' heel'.

His record-breaking innings of 281 came as no surprise to those who followed India’s domestic cricket where Laxman has scripted many a victory for Hyderabad single handedly. Even before this record feat, his innings of 167 against Australia gave ample evidence of the embarrassing riches of talent bestowed upon this man. However, for a man of his talent the journey at the highest level has not been smooth. Even after that stroke filled 167, he was lost into oblivion and it was not until the 14th of March 2001 that the world took notice of his extraordinary skills.

Laxman’s place in the batting order seemed secure after that epic knock of 281. Ganguly’s frailties against the shorter stuff and Dravid’s indifferent form propelled Laxman as India’s premier batsman along with Sachin Tendulkar. However, things have changed… the change being steady but sure. Complacency is a dangerous thing. Maybe the appetite for runs was drying. He dished out superb cameos….little 30s and 40s studded with exquisitely timed drives executed with clinical precision. Getting out when set is a cardinal sin in any form of the game and yes, Laxman did this with unfailing consistency. It seemed that he was playing for the gallery… pandering to their tastes… and India suffered. The little cameos that he scripted did nothing to help the team’s cause and it seemed that he was batting like a millionaire spending runs, when the need of the hour was to bat like a miser hoarding them.

Laxman belongs to that pedigree of players for whom everything comes very easily. Even when the odds are stacked against them, they tend to favour themselves. This belief arises from the fact that deep down they know that they are specialy.gifted with infinite resources of talent. However, talent always does not translate into results. If Mark Waugh had the concentration skills and the tenacity of Stephen Waugh, we would have seen him score over ten thousand runs…elegant runs. The moments of madness, lapses in concentration …force them to gift their wickets rather than allowing the opposition to earn them.

With the likes of Sehwag, Mongia, Bangar, Kaif and Yuvraj trying to cement their places in the Test side, Laxman has his task cut out. He needs to tighten both his technique and his position as India’s premier batsman. The tour to the Caribbean offers another opportunity for Laxman to do the same. Things will not be easy though…West Indies are not a force anymore…but still have an enviable record at home. The discovery of a new fast bowler might alter the equations… .remember Franklin Rose? To make matters worse, Indians are the worst tourists around. The atmosphere in the stands can be intimidating too….

Laxman has shown that he flourishes in adversity, But again it cannot be a case of one swallow making a summer…being consistent is equally important. Another factor that might not help him is the benign nature of the West Indian pitches. For a man who likes to get on with things, a slow pitch is the last thing needed.

Laxman will have to do outstandingly well to hold on to his place. Sehwag’s absence has actually helped matters and Mongia’s lack of experience at Test level drafts Laxman easily into the playing eleven. Robert Ludlum wrote in his Bourne Series “Opportunities will always present themselves. Recognise and act upon them”. This is exactly what Laxman has to do. However, if he fails and considering the new faces warming up the bench, Laxman might be lost into oblivion.

Will West Indies be his Waterloo? Only time will tell…

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Mail Ganesh Krishnamurthy