Sourav Ganguly reflects on VVS Laxman’s 2003 World Cup fallout: the untold rift

This report delves into the emotional aftermath of VVS Laxman’s exclusion from India’s 2003 World Cup squad, revealing a three-month silence between him and Sourav Ganguly. It highlights the contentious selection decisions, Laxman’s impactful comeback, and the lasting impact on team dynamics.

Sources:
Times of IndiaNDTV SportsTimesnownews+1
Updated 40m ago
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Sources: Times of IndiaNDTV SportsTimesnownews+1
Sourav Ganguly has opened up about the untold rift with VVS Laxman following the latter's exclusion from India's 2003 World Cup squad. Ganguly, then captain, admitted the decision to leave out Laxman in favour of an all-rounder caused a three-month silence between the two.

"Anybody would get upset...for a World Cup. Especially a player of Laxman's calibre. Quite natural that he would get upset," Ganguly told PTI.

Despite Laxman's impressive record of 2,338 runs from 86 ODIs, he did not play a single World Cup match in 2003, where India finished runners-up to Australia.

Former chief selector Kiran More revealed that all five selectors wanted Laxman in the squad, but Ganguly and head coach John Wright had other plans.

However, Ganguly stressed that the rift was eventually resolved as Laxman understood the decision was not personal. His return to the ODI team post-World Cup was marked by a stunning comeback, including a century in the series decider in Lahore, helping India win their first-ever ODI series in Pakistan.

"Laxman was unhappy and naturally upset after the announcement, and he did not talk to me for three months until he made up with me," Ganguly recalled.

This episode highlights the complexities behind team selections and the resilience of players like Laxman, who proved his value beyond the World Cup disappointment.
Sources: Times of IndiaTimesnownews
Sourav Ganguly reflected on the fallout with VVS Laxman after the latter's exclusion from India's 2003 World Cup squad, which led to a three-month silence between them. Despite the rift, Laxman’s post-World Cup comeback proved crucial for India’s success, including a key century in Pakistan.
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Key Facts
  • VVS Laxman was controversially dropped from India's 2003 World Cup squad despite having 2,338 runs from 86 ODIs, and was replaced by all-rounder Dinesh Mongia, even though all five selectors wanted to pick Laxman.Times of IndiaNDTV Sports3
  • Sourav Ganguly revealed that Laxman did not speak to him for three months following the exclusion, causing a significant rift between the two teammates.Times of IndiaTimesnownews3
  • India finished as runners-up in the 2003 World Cup, losing to Australia in the final.Times of IndiaNDTV Sports
  • Laxman made a strong comeback post-World Cup, playing a key role in India's first-ever ODI series win in Pakistan, including a century in the series decider in Lahore.TimesnownewsNDTV Sports
  • Ganguly acknowledged Laxman's caliber and said it was natural for him to be upset about the World Cup omission.NDTV Sports3Times of India
Sourav Ganguly revealed VVS Laxman's disappointment after being excluded from India's 2003 World Cup squad, leading to a three-month silence between them.
Times of India
Times of India
Last year, the then selection committee chief Kiran More had revealed that all five selectors wanted to pick Laxman in the squad, but Ganguly and head coach John Wright had other plans.
NDTV Sports
NDTV Sports
Infact, the ex-Indian captain revealed that the star batter did not speak to him for three months as a result of the decision.
Timesnownews
Timesnownews
Speaking to the PTI, Ganguly recalled that Laxman was 'unhappy and naturally upset' after the announcement, and he did not talk to him for three months until he made up with him.
Hindustantimes
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