IPL teams turn their back on Laxman
VVS Laxman was not expected to be fought over by franchisees in the Indian Premier League auctions, held in Bangalore on Saturday. The veteran Indian batsman however, failed to even get a single bid once his name was called. For all his records and skills, a stony silence was all that the teams could offer this 37-year-old player.
VVS Laxman was not expected to be fought over by franchisees in the Indian Premier League auctions, held in Bangalore on Saturday. The veteran Indian batsman however, failed to even get a single bid once his name was called. For all his records and skills, a stony silence was all that the teams could offer this 37-year-old player.
The stylish right-handed batsman, who has previously played for Deccan Chargers and Kochi Tuskers, had a base price of $400,000 which was expected to force teams to re-consider a decision on him. While youngsters like Ravindra Jadeja and Vinay Kumar, former Kochi teammates of Laxman, dominated the auctions with high selling price, there was nothing for Laxman to look forward to. Iffy form more than age however may be a big factor in no team bidding for him, considering Mahela Jayawardene (34) and Muttiah Muralithran (39) were contested for.
Laxman has been under fire for his recent form in Australia. He fetched just 155 runs from 8 innings at a measly average of a little over 19. Many have even questioned his body-language and temperament in the 4-Test series against Michael Clarke's side. Laxman appeared uncomfortable and when he did manage to get the rare start, faltered and returned immediately after.
In the IPL circuit, it has been a downward spiral for Laxman since leading the Deccan Chargers in the inaugural edition of the tournament. Adam Gilchrist was made skipper of the team in the 2009 season while Laxman was eventually sold to Kochi Tuskers for the 2011 season. With his new franchise being terminated, 2012 finds Laxman without a team. Not that his performance was prolific when he had a side to play for. He has 491 runs from 25 T20 innings at an average of 22.31.
Laxman has long been seen as a batsman who can steady the innings from one end, allowing batsmen at the other end to unleash fury on the opposition. His role as an anchor was his main selling point but franchisee's may have lost the need to pay as much as was being asked for, for an experienced war-horse like Laxman.