VVS Laxman Urges Sourav Ganguly to Revive National Cricket Academy

Former India batsman VVS Laxman wants his former colleague and newly-elected BCCI president Sourav Ganguly to revive the National Cricket Academy, which he said was key to nurture future stars.

Laxman, who is also a consultant for CAB’s special project ‘vision 2020’, was one of the special invitees along with Mohammed Azharuddin at Cricket Association of Bengal’s felicitation ceremony for Ganguly.

For the past few years NCA, which was supposed to be the feeder line of Indian cricket, has actually become a rehabilitation centre, which even Ganguly acknowledged after taking over.



“If you ask me one thing, it would be how Sourav can revive the NCA. The greatness of this Indian team is its strength,” Laxman said.

In clarifying his point, Laxman cited an example of the recent humiliation of the South African test series at the hands of India.

“You look at this side of South Africa and it’s the most exhausted I’ve seen. This is because its national structure is not strong. The reason why the Indian team is fine is because the national structure is so good. Through the NCA, you can produce future champions for a long period of time. ”

Laxman said Ganguly has always performed better under pressure and expects him to serve as administrator.

Referring to the tumultuous phase in 1999-2000 when India lost against Australia and South Africa at home, Laxman said Ganguly infused that positive energy into the Indian camp after that.

“He took over when it was a difficult period for the Indian cricket team. He revived the fortune of the Indian cricket team and inspired the young, built the team that became the number one test cricket team. They qualified for the final of the 2003 World Cup. It has been very inspiring. ”

“He stood out on the tour and was selected for the England series. He hasn’t looked back from his Lord’s entrances. For me, Sourav the cricket player is special and Sourav the captain is even more special.”