Rayudu is a perfect replacement for VVS

From his early days,VVS Laxman used to bat at number three for Hyderabad and it was difficult getting him into the Indian team back in the mid 90s due to that,despite his consistent scoring.

Shivlal Yadav served as South Zone selector from 1996 to 2001,and was the man who recommended VVS Laxman to Test cricket in 1996. The former Hyderabad off-spinner spoke to Devendra Pandey.

From his early days,VVS Laxman used to bat at number three for Hyderabad and it was difficult getting him into the Indian team back in the mid 90s due to that,despite his consistent scoring. The only real vacancy was for the opening slot and picking him as an opener,we thought would risk his career. Being the South Zone selector at that point,I went and told Laxman and asked him about that option. Laxman agreed instantantly to take up the challenge. That is the kind of man he is.

Yet,it was really tough for him to cement his place in the side,and he was dropped later. But its massive credit to Laxman that he managed to come back as strongly as he did. Like Laxman,it is very important to give any player who is performing consistently a chance to prove himself,even if not at his natural position.

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If I have to pick one young player who could replace Laxman in the near future,then I will go for our Hyderabad boy Ambati Rayudu,who is playing for Baroda these days. He resembles Laxman in a lot of ways,especially when it comes to his stroke play.

And though many will not agree with me,I believe that Ambati has great temperament,just like Laxman. He is easily the most talented batsman in the domestic circuit at the moment and everybody got a glimpse of that during the IPL. If I was a selector now,I would definitely have argued on his behalf for a place in the senior team.

Id like to see him get a taste of being around the Indian team to start with. When his opportunity comes at Test level,Im very confident that he will deliver. Batsmen as talented his him wont let you down for too long.

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