Hyderabad: Indian veteran batsman V.V.S. Laxman has drawn curtains on his 16 years illustrious career with immediate effect on Saturday.
The 37-year-old Laxman, who been one of the mainstays for Indian batting lineup for test cricket for over years now felt it was the right time for him to retire and his retirement with immediate effect means he will not be playing the upcoming two test match series against New Zealand.
“I would like to announce my retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. I think it is the right time to move on”, Laxman said at a press conference here.
Laxman made his test debut in 1996 and since then has played 134 tests and scored 8781 runs including 17 centuries and 56 fifties. He has also played 86 ODIs scoring 2338 runs with six hundreds.
Laxman who will be remembered for his epic innings of 281 against Australia in 2001 at Eden Gardens and earned the sobriquet ‘Very Very Special’ said that the decision was a very hard one but then felt it was the right time to hang his boot and allow the youngsters to come into the team.
“I have always kept my country’s success and need ahead self. And while I would love contributing to the team’s success, especially against England and Australia, I think this is the right to give opportunity to the youngsters in home conditions ahead of international assignments”, he said.
“It was a dream for me to play for India since childhood and I am extremely thankful to the Almighty for giving me the opportunity to serve my country,” added the Hyderabadi.
On being asked whether he would regret the decision later, he said, “I never regret the decisions I take. I am satisfied with the decision, definitely I will never regret that I took the decision“.
Laxman who came under criticism due to poor run in England and Australia last season said it did disappoint him as well whenever he failed to live up to the expectations.
“I always tried to my best to give everything to the team while maintaining my dignity. There were times I am sure I did not perform well, I disappointed them but I can assure that it was not due to lack of effort,” he said.
“There have been people who have criticised me but I had more well wishers. I can tell you that it is not easy to please each and every person. Failure and success are part and parcel of a cricketer’s life”, he explained.
Laxman however conceded that he will continue playing for Hyderabad and is still undecided on his post retirement life.
By Indian Sports News Network
