Afridi: Laxman Lost The Plot

Laxman - not Twenty20 cricket's finest exponent.

Shahid Afridi has called for Adam Gilchrist to be installed as Deccan Chargers captain in place of VVS Laxman, who he says "lost the plot" during their forgettable inaugural Indian Premier League campaign earlier this year.

The Hyderabad-based team won just two games as they finished last in the lucrative tournament and have since replaced coach Robin Singh with former Australia batsman Darren Lehmann.

Gilchrist stood in for Laxman on a number of occasions while the India batsman was injured during the tournament and Pakistan and Chargers all-rounder Afridi believes he should be given the role full-time.

"Gilchrist was one of the two most successful players for us in the season along with Rohit Sharma," Afridi told Geo News channel.

"He played some really good innings and his input was very good at times on the field. If they do appoint Adam as captain I think he would be a better choice than Laxman."

He added: "At times Laxman lost the plot on the field. Twenty20 cricket is not his forte. Adam is more comfortable in this type of cricket."