Virat's aggression coupled with his solid defense separates him from the rest: Laxman
FORMER INDIA BATSMAN VVS Laxman believes that the advent of T20 cricket has proven beneficial for the modern-age cricketers in many ways. Laxman conceded that the domestic T20 league provides a perfect platform for the youngsters to showcase their skills and get exposure.
In an interaction with cricketcountry.com, Laxman explained,
“There is definitely a big impact on the current generation of batsmen playing or watching T20 format. T20 format has really benefitted the longer format whether it is four-day or five-day game, because the quicker you score runs, you give more opportunity to your bowlers to take those 20 wickets. Ultimately, in a four-day or a five-day match, if you don’t take 20 wickets, you will never win a match. So, I think the quicker you get runs that will give more number or overs and more time to the bowlers to pick those 20 wickets.”
Laxman further emphasised on the flipside of the limited overs format and pointed out,
“But the flipside, or the only negative aspect if you are playing too much of T20 or aggressive cricket, it affects your defensive play. We have seen that when conditions are not suitable for your natural stroke-play or the bowlers are on top it helps. In the longer version of the game there are periods when bowlers put a lot of pressure on you by not giving easy runs, bowling maidens.”
Giving an example of right balance of aggressive and defensive techniques, the 42-year-old mentioned about Virat Kohli and further lauded the India Test skipper.
“Virat is a prime example where you have strong defence, at the same time you can dominate the bowlers and have the highest strikerate. We always talk about AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle and David Warner, but if you see Virat’s strike rate, it is no less than these players who I always feel are destructive batsmen. But Virat’s defensive technique will allow him to score runs consistently against the best bowlers in the world and also in tough conditions. The reason is, he has got a lot of self-belief and confidence on his defensive technique. I feel any youngster can learn watching Virat Kohli, who is probably the best batsman in world cricket at the moment. If you have a strong defensive technique, doesn’t mean you comprise on your attacking game.”
Get the latest in the world of Sports, Teams, and Players! Free Delivery to your Inbox.
