Though VVS Laxman hasnt yet taken the field against the Kiwis,he is expected to be a big draw during the upcoming Test series. At a function organized by the Eastern District Cricket Association on Thursday,when one of the promising youngsters of the region,Richard,was asked to present a memento to the Indian player,he gave his reasons for liking Laxman. When someone has scored so many hundreds against the Aussies,he is certainly our very good friend, Richard said as Laxman,along with the rest of the audience,couldnt keep a straight face.
Little Richards speech explained a number of things. Since the time Ive landed here in New Zealand,smiles have instantly appeared on the faces of strangers when they’ve realised that Im following the Indian team. In the early part of the tour,I kept undermining Dhoni & Co,saying that things wouldnt be too easy for them.
But the locals disagreed,and all such conversations would reach a point when they would pat me on the back and say,”You guys mustve been happy when you gave it back to Australia!
The locals were being their friendly,courteous selves,but the India-New Zealand bonhomie also hinted at a special bond because of a common enemy. Thats why Harbhajan Singh draws as many applause as Tendulkar does when his names is announced on the public address system before games.
And thats also the reason the Indians are such popular tourists here. Local reporters dont quite grill skipper Daniel Vettori in press conferences,nor are there any caustic comments made in newspapers after defeats. Everybody seems to have been resigned to the fact that they have lost to a team that has come here after beating Australia not too long ago.
The Indians are realizing that one of the several perks of beating the Aussies is that it makes you popular in New Zealand.
