IPL 2018: Cricketers with multiple skills crucial these days, reckons VVS Laxman

One of the classiest batsmen to have played the game of cricket, VVS Laxman is touted as one of the finest cricketing brains in the contemporary world. A testament to that fact is the way he leads the Sunrisers Hyderabad management behind the doors as a mentor. He alongside Muttiah Muralitharan and Tom Moody always are spot on with their selections and the world have seen the results.

The Sunrisers Hyderabad, despite losing David Warner before the tournament, has been devastating with the ball this season. They’re somehow covering up for their dismal batting renditions, but that’s one facet Laxman will definitely work on. After watching how the tournament has panned thus far, he stressed on how important it is for a player to be three-dimensional these days as quoted by Times Now.

He spoke at length about cricketers like Krunal and Hardik Pandya and what they bring to the table. He also opined that fielding is non-negotiable these days and he says gone are those days when players used to focus only on one skill.

“A batsman should be able to bowl and a bowler should be able to bat. Cricketers like the Hardik Pandyas, Krunal Pandyas will be more in demand because irrespective of the format the guys who can do all the three things good will be more in demand,” Laxman quoted.

Fielding is non-negotiable. Whether you are a batsman or a bowler, you have to be an excellent fielder and you have to be athletic which will help you in running between the wickets. That’s how the game has evolved, gone are the days when one focused on one skillset. These days one needs to master the other skills too,” He added.

Encouragement at the grassroots level is important

The former Indian cricketer also spoke on how important it is to encourage young cricketers at the grassroots level. He reckons it’s important to have good infrastructure and standard grounds to help these young talents get good coaching.

“I think encouragement of sports at the grassroots level is very very important. The government has got funds and it is important to develop infrastructure at grassroots level like international standard grounds besides providing access to qualified and professional coaches,” the SRH mentor opined.

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