Despite being in the Indian team for more than 10 years and playing one of the most memorable innings in the history of test cricket, VVS Laxman is still not a permanent Test member. The stylish right-hander from Hyderabad is a true successor to the disgraced Mohd. Azharuddin. Though he has contributed immensely to the Indian cricket utilizing every opportunity he is offered in both tests and one-dayers, he still sits out whenever India tries out 5 bowlers + 5 batsmen or gives chance to youngsters like Yuveraj Singh. A perfect example has been the recently concluded Bangladesh test series.

He is also under constant pressure to perform as youngsters like Kaif, Yuvraj and Raina are waiting in the wings. Remember this is not applicable to Saurav or Sachin. However, Laxman has been successful in keeping these youngsters at bay.

He is certainly better than the limited Saurav Ganguly at least in tests. Even Sachin has not been able to play an innings that could match Laxman's Kolkatta innings. He is sure to be picked up for the test squad but he is not certain to play the match until his name is announced in the final eleven. Nobody can understand this biased nature of the selection committee and the final team pickers.

Now with the England series coming up, where the conditions suit swing bowlers (I presume), India might go well 6 batsmen and use Ganguly as the fifth bowler. So, Laxman is sure to make it to the final eleven. We cannot call this an opportunity for Laxman to prove his critics wrong as anyone has hardly criticized him during his test career.

Looking at this, it seems Laxman has no way to get a permanent berth in the Indian team unless one of the big three retires. What he should do is to keep performing in every series he plays.

Hope the magician who has played the best innings by an Indian gets permanent posting orders soon.