Former Indian cricketer, VVS Laxman reckons that there has been a lot of workload for the Indian players which is the main reason behind the Indian team not getting another genuine all-rounder like Kapil Dev. Players like Hardik Pandya have been constantly compared with legendary Kapil Dev, the country’s first World Cup-winning captain.
Attending a YouTube book-launch session at “Tata Literature Live Sports Yatras”, Laxman said, “It’s a very difficult role being an all-rounder. Kapil paaji was someone who could take wickets and score runs. He was the ultimate match-winner for India. But with the amount of workload nowadays, it’s very, very difficult.”
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Without naming Hardik, Laxman added, “There were some glimpses from some players because they were focusing a lot on both the skills, ultimately with the amount of workload and matches the Indian team plays in three formats, it’s very difficult to manage. That player who has the ability to become a genuine all-rounder, unfortunately, gets injured and he has to compromise or he has to take a decision on either batting or bowling.”
Coming from a lengthy break after back surgery, Hardik did not bowl for Mumbai Indians in the IPL last season in the UAE. He was seen bowling in the T20I series against England but did not do so in the first couple of ODIs against England. He returned to bowling duties in the final ODI.
Talking about the same, VVS Laxman said, “I just feel that there can be only one Kapil. It (comparison) will put undue pressure on the player. There can be only one MS Dhoni or one Sunil Gavaskar.”
Laxman also came in support of Rishabh Pant for being India’s first-choice wicket-keeper for the T20 World Cup at home in October-November.
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VVS Laxman explained, “India is spoilt for choices. The way Sanju Samson has batted, kept and led Rajasthan Royals (in ongoing IPL), even though he did not have too much of experience (in captaining) aside.”
The 23-year-old Pant, who is currently leading Delhi Capitals in the ongoing IPL, has played a major role in India’s Test series wins against Australia and England with some match-winning knocks earlier this year.
