Ranji Trophy: Ahead of semifinals, Laxman boost for Bengal

V.V.S. Laxman, who is also a part of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB)’s Vision 2020 programme, joined the team in Pune on Thursday to bolster its confidence before the knockout clash.

VVS Laxman and Anustup Majumdar at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Saturday.

Ahead of its Ranji Trophy semifinal against Delhi, Bengal has received a huge boost in the presence of V. V. S. Laxman.

The former India cricketer, who is also a part of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB)’s Vision 2020 programme, joined the team in Pune on Thursday to bolster its confidence before the knockout clash.

Having worked with most of the players in the past, Laxman made it sure on Saturday morning to keep an eye on each and every cricketer’s preparations. Along with coach Sairaj Bahutule and captain Manoj Tiwary, Laxman even discussed quite a few points with the players.

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“Laxman’s presence will definitely benefit the players and before a crucial match, the confidence will be high,” a senior CAB official said, justifying the decision.

It is learnt that CAB chief Sourav Ganguly requested Laxman to join the team in Pune to give a moral boost to the young players. In its quarterfinal game against Gujarat, Ganguly had flown down to Jaipur on the first day to boost the team’s morale.

Many in the cricketing circuit believe that move worked wonders for the team. And now, with Laxman present in the dressing room, the young side would be hoping to make this an outing to remember.