Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman feels that too much workload of the Indian cricketers is the reason why the country has not produced another genuine all-rounder like Kapil Dev.
Significantly, cricketers like Hardik Pandya have been constantly compared with legendary Kapil, 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.”
“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,” he added.
Meanwhile, Laxman also urged to not compare any all-rounder with the legendary Kapil.
“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,” he opined.
Laxman also backed Rishabh Pant to be India’s first choice wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup, slated to be held in October-November saying: “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) a side.”
“Then there’s Ishan Kishan. KL Rahul has done well whenever he got the gloves, and batted either top of the order or in the middle. But somehow I just feel Rishabh Pant is the player whom you should pick for the wicketkeeper-batsman slot. I will definitely go for Pant,” Laxman added.
“Not only that he’s really improved and impressed everyone with his keeping abilities, but as a left-handed batsman, he’s someone who can take away the game from any opposition in any situation in the middle overs,” he concluded.