VVS Laxman Named 'Batting Consultant' of CAB's Vision 2020 Project

File photo of VVS Laxman

Former India batting great VVS Laxman has been appointed batting consultant in Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB)'s Vision 2020 Project due to the initiative of association's joint secretary and Laxman's long-time India team colleague Sourav Ganguly.

His best cricketing achievement happened on the hallowed Eden Gardens turf and VVS Laxman feels that it's time he repays the 'City of Joy' which has showered unadulterated love on him.

Laxman, who is also associated with Hyderabad Cricket Association, said he would spend at least 30 days a season giving tips to "score runs".

"Over the period of next year, I'll be coming spending here for at least 30 days. We'll work out what's best for myself as well as the youngsters," Laxman told reporters at the Gardens.

"The ultimate aim for a batsman is to score runs. Run making is also a technique along with the skill. I'm looking forward to contribute."

Laxman would be joined by Muttiah Muralitharan as the spin bowling consultant as the Lankan spin wizard is set to join the youngsters on November 1.

Excited to take up the challenge, Laxman said:"It's great to be back at Eden Gardens. I've always enjoyed coming here not only because I've done well on this ground but the kind of welcome I get from the people of Kolkata it's always been great to see.

"The city has given me a lot of joy and happiness. One of the best grounds I've played and some of my best (knocks) have come here. It always is a special feeling to come here."

"The ultimate goal for all of us who have played is to help the youngsters play for the country. This time I'm doing it for the Bengal team along with the Hyderabad side. I'm happy to be here."

Laxman feels that Bengal players have the potential to do well and his aim would be to help them realise their potential.

"Bengal have done really well last year, especially in the Ranji Trophy by making into the knock-outs. No batsman is perfect. There're other aspects of batting which are equally important. Let's hope they realise their potential."

The former middle-order batsman however said this time he has come here not as a cricketer.

There was nothing wrong in the temperament of the modern day cricketers who tend to score at a brisk pace, he said.

"When you see the number of 100s they score these days is quite a lot. A lot many cricketers are trying to play aggressive which is good. At the end of the day, you want results and don't want a drawn game."

Laxman said the only way for the batsmen to make a way into the Indian side was by scoring hundreds and doubles at domestic level.

Asked whether some quality cricketers like Virender Sehwag would come back before the World Cup, he said: "We know they are fantastic players and match winners. But we have to wait and see how they perform in the domestic season. It's important they perform in the opportunities they get."

Laxman was also effusive in his praise for Bengal wicketkeeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha who has been named in the upcoming five ODI series against Sri Lanka.

Wishing Saha luck, Laxman said: "He's been a fantastic wicketkeeper, a hardworking, professional player with the way he prepares himself. He's been very consistent behind the wickets as well as while batting. He played some impact knocks for Kings XI Punjab last season in tough situations."

Laxman also praised the ICC for their crackdown on bowlers with suspect action. "Credit should be given to ICC has been proactive. I'm glad that ICC has taken a stern step."