‘He didn't speak to me for three months': Sourav Ganguly reveals fallout with VVS Laxman, shares details

VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has revealed a deeply personal moment from his playing days, sharing that
VVS Laxman
did not speak to him for three months after being left out of India's squad for the 2003 ODI World Cup. Ganguly, who was then leading the side, admitted that the decision to omit Laxman in favour of all-rounder
Dinesh Mongia
caused a significant rift between the two teammates.
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'It has happened many times when we rested players. They were unhappy. Laxman being left out of the World Cup... he never spoke to me for three months. Then I made up with him,' Ganguly told PTI, adding, 'Anybody would get upset... especially a player of Laxman's calibre. Quite natural that he would be hurt.'
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The decision had stirred controversy even at the time. Last year, former selection committee chief
Kiran More
revealed that all five selectors had backed Laxman's inclusion, but Ganguly and then head coach
John Wright
had a different view.
Poll
Do you believe Sourav Ganguly made the right decision by leaving VVS Laxman out of the 2003 World Cup squad?
Yes, it was a strategic choice.
No, Laxman should have been included.
Despite having 2,338 runs from 86 ODIs, Laxman never featured in a single World Cup game for India. However, Ganguly stressed that Laxman's return post-World Cup proved his value.
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'He was happy we did well in the World Cup. And when we came back, he returned to the ODI team. He was outstanding in Pakistan and Australia. They all knew it was never personal,' Ganguly said.
India finished runners-up in the 2003 World Cup, losing to Australia in the final.
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