Kolkata, Dec 29: The sword of Damocles hangs over middle order bat V V S Laxman as the national selectors meet here tomorrow to choose a 15-member Indian team for the forthcoming South Africa World Cup.
The stylish Hyderabad willower has weakened his case following a string of failures in both the Tests and one- dayers in the ongoing New Zealand trip, and his fortune now hinges on the persuasive skills of south zone representative and selection panel chairman Brijesh Patel. The drought of runs from Laxman's blade has come as a windfall for left-hander Dinesh Mongia, who has been in and out of the Indian team in recent months. Mongia's name is likely to be discussed in all seriousness tomorrow, sources close to the selection committee said.

The five selectors - Patel, Sanjay Jagdale (central zone), Kiran More (west), Kirti Azad (north) and Pranab Roy (east) - had earlier announced a 30-member probables list for the February-March quadrennial showpiece.
Tomorrow's meeting takes place a day ahead of the December 31 deadline set by the ICC for the participating teams to announce their final line-up.

Bureau Report