Former batting star VVS laxman is a big admirer of India's immediate opponent New Zealand. He believes the Kiwis will always try to make the most of their opportunity and more often than not they end up surprising everyone. "Somehow I always admire New Zealand. This New Zealand team manage to do well whenever they get an opportunity," he said during a promotional event by broadcast partner Star Sports.
Not many good things was expected from the Black Caps during this year’s World T20, but the Kiwis surprised everyone by reaching the semifinal, including a opening day upset victory against favourites India. "Even in T20 World Cup, no one gave them a chance but they won all the matches and reached the semifinal before losing to England," he explained. "They don't take anything for granted and will give everything to do well," he added.
The man from Hyderabad also picked Murali Vijay and Kl Rahul to open the Indian side. "I want Vijay and Rahul as openers and Chateshwar Pujara would be my No 3 after seeing his exploits in the recent Duleep trophy," he said referring to the 256 and 166 scored by Pujara for the India Blue side in the recently concluded Duleep Tophy.
laxman, was also no short of praise for Ajinkya Rahane.
"He is one of the best in all the three formats. He is a proven first class cricketer. He is one of the most consistent batsmen for India in all places in the world. In all the conditions he has been fantastic," he said.