ICC Cricket World Cup: VVS Laxman Slams AB de Villiers' 'Defensive' Captaincy vs India
India recorded their maiden win over South Africa in World Cup history and VVS Laxman came down heavily on AB de Viliiers' captaincy.
AB de Villiers is hailed as the best batsman in world cricket, he can keep wickets and field like no one else and yet the flamboyant South African failed on his biggest test as captain in a high-profile World Cup clash against India. Former India batsman VVS Laxman slammed de Villiers' leadership and called him 'defensive' after some strange tactics lost Proteas the game by a massive 130 runs.
This was the first time India defeated South Africa in World Cups and most of it was thanks to sound all-round cricket by the defending champions. But de Villiers came under fire from Laxman after the Proteas skipper used part-time spinner JP Duminy ahead of potent pacer Morne Morkel and even bowled him for seven fruitless overs, allowing Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli to race ahead with a strong 127-run stand for the second wicket.
"South Africa have the talent but I was disappointed to see their mindset. AB de Villiers was sending the wrong message it was poor captaincy and I think it was a defensive approach to bring the spinner on so early.
"It was a big question mark on their ability to handle pressure. What kind of message is de Villiers sending out to his pacers?," Laxman told NDTV on Sunday. (AB de Villiers Slams South Africa's 'Unacceptable' Display)
In front of nearly 90,000 roaring fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, South Africa's attack caved in and conceded 307/7 whereas their batsmen never really got the chase off the ground, crashing to 177 all out against some disciplined Indian bowling backed up by athletic fielding.
India on the other hand, were clinical in their performance and Laxman was elated with the all-round show. "In both the games vs Pakistan and South Africa, India have bowled brilliantly. They were very aggressive and looked to take wickets. Mohammad Shami and Umesh Yadav stuck to their plans and bowled wicket-taking deliveries." (Indian Bowlers Emerge as 'Surprise Heroes' Down Under)
Laxman was pleased with the way India executed their plans despite the early loss of Rohit Sharma to a run-out. Shikhar Dhawan (137) and Virat Kohli (46) shared a 127-run stand for the second wicket while Ajinkya Rahane played a fluent knock to smash 79 and add another 125-runs with Dhawan.
India next play the United Arab Emirates on Saturday and a win against the minnows should guarantee MS Dhoni of a place in the quarterfinals.