Multi-skilled cricketers will be in demand: VVS Laxman

Former India Test batsman VVS Laxman believes multi-skilled cricketers like Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya will be in demand as the present day game required such abilities.

"A batsman should be able to bowl and a bowler should be able to bat. Cricketers like the Hardik Pandyas, Krunal Pandyas will be more in demand because, irrespective of the format, the guys who can do all the three things good will be more in demand," he said after launching Pro Star League's mentorship camp in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

He also stressed the importance of fielding in the modern day game.

"Fielding is non-negotiable. Whether you are a batsman or a bowler, you have to be an excellent fielder and you have to be athletic which will help you in running between the wickets. That's how the game has evolved," Laxman said.

Laxman said gone were the days when one focused on one skillset adding these days one needs to master the other skills too.

Pro Star League, an under-16 cricket tournament which aims to identify and nurture talent at the grassroots, has begun a hunt for up-and-coming cricketers in Hyderabad through a national-level mentorship camp.

The camp in partnership with VVS Sports Academy began on Wednesday and will go on till "May 1.

He also said there was a need to encourage sports at the grassroot level besides providing access to qualified and professional coaches.

"I think encouragement of sports at grassroot level is very, very important. Government has got funds and it is important to develop infrastructure at grassroot level like international standard grounds besides providing access to qualified and professional coaches," he stressed.