It's a saga that started just over two years ago before the 2003 World Cup. VVS Laxman and his place in India’s one-day side has always stirred a debate. There have been lots of theories on how Laxman is not suited to one-day cricket and how he is unable to rotate the strike.Ask the man himself and he has a simple theory. ‘‘The bottomline is, I have to keep scoring runs. Only when I have been average have I been out of the side,’’ opines Laxman.But that hardly explains the constant pressure Laxman is in to cement his place in the side. Has he set very high standards for himself? ‘‘Yes, it’s nice to know that people expect big runs from me always. But I have to keep playing my game and not really think of what people say,’’ he smiles.Point taken: Laxman scored the most number of centuries by an Indian in one-day cricket in 2004. More importantly, it was his hundred in Lahore that helped India seal the one-day series in Pakistan.Hence, the ongoing Challenger Trophy was the best opportunity to advertise Laxman for the one-day side. But in both the league matches, his innings was cut short. Just when he was shaping up well against India Seniors on Tuesday, Laxman was run out, as was the case on Wednesday when again he got out just when everyone was enjoying him smack the ball all over the Wankhede Stadium with finesse.But the stylish batsman does not feel his chances have also taken a hit. ‘‘I was timing the ball well on both days. Just a little disappointed that I could not carry on,’’ says Laxman.Does it affect his future in the Indian one-day team? ‘‘Not at all. I am very confident of claiming a place batting at No 3 or 4,’’ comes a confident reply.’’But India’s one-day engagements are just over a month away and before that comes the high-powered Test series against Pakistan. And that is where the focus will be in the coming weeks.Laxman’s case is no different as he talks about his possible match-ups with a ‘‘fully-fit’’ Pakistan bowling attack, especially the fastest bowler in the world Shoaib Akhtar.‘‘With or without Shoaib (Akhtar) Pakistan have a good attack. No question about it. But if he (Akhtar) comes, their attack will be really good. There are other bowlers too who form the backbone of their bowling,’’ opined Laxman.Just who from among the others? ‘‘Danish Kaneria for instance is a very good leg-spinner. He is in form after his recent performances in Australia. His consistency with line and length is what makes him a very good bowler,’’ says Laxman.
