Azhar, Laxman praise each other

It was a day to remember for everyone who was present on an emotionally charged gathering. More than anything it ended as a get-together of the mutually admiration club with players from one generation lauding the inspirational contributions and moulding capacities of players belonging to the earlier generation.

For instance former India captain Mohd Azharuddin stated that contrary to popular perceptions, it was he who played like VVS Laxman, the “best batsman Hyderabad has produced.”

The veterans’ carnival, organised by Hyderabad State Veterans Cricket Association (HSVCA) to celebrate the 75th birthday of their President, Capt Manohar Sharma, saw the who’s who of Hyderabad cricket assemble at Thapar Stadium at AOC Centre on Sunday.

Capt Sharma recalled that his Ranji beginnings were at the very ground, which has subsequently produced 40 and odd players who made it to the national and Ranji squads. Lt Gen Bharat Sisodia said that around a dozen Army officers from Ordnance services managed to get India berths on the strength of their individual talents.

Apart from Azharuddin and Laxman, those who graced the occasion included Arshad Ayub, S L Venkatapathi Raju, Vijay Mohan Raj, B Mohan, Noel David, Rajesh Yadav, R A Swarup, Eteshashmuddin, Dilip Reddy, Maheshwar Singh, Lokender Raj, Arvind Shetty, Abdul Azeem, John Manoj, P Akshath Reddy, among others.

However, the final word came from Laxman, who in awe of being in the company of peers and seniors. His contended that such gatherings could become annual features as they could help youngsters to get practical inputs from seasoned campaigners, who have been there and done that.