Former India middle-order batsman VVS Laxman has said he was in support of 20-20 cricket and also the new format of test cricket – pink ball or day night.
“Day night test match is the way forward,” he said adding, “We must do anything we can to bring the crowd to watch test matches,” said VVS at the eighth Dilip Sardesai memorial lecture in memorial lecture held at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai.
The annual lecture brings together friends of Dilip Sardesai, Nandini Sardesai and Rajdeep Sardesai, an illustrious and interesting family.
Starting with an affectionate memory of his first meeting with Sardesai in 1998, VVS said: “The one thing that struck me, was his infectious enthusiasm. He had come to meet Jaisimha sir… as the two legends chatted and laughed and exchanged anecdotes I realised how positive and fun and energetic their talks were. There was no bitter memory, no unsavoury episode was recalled”.
At the lecture, Laxman let out a funny anecdote. In 1971 when India went on what-turned-out-to-be-a-historical tour, a customs official asked Sardesai if he had anything to declare. Sardesai famously replied, “The only thing I have to declare is runs, and I will go back with more.”
Then one about how Australians never sledged him because they probably knew that he would remain unperturbed, perhaps with a little help of the Bhagwat Geeta!
