VVS Laxman retires from international cricket
VVS Laxman. -Photo by AFP
HYDERABAD: Veteran Indian batsman Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday, saying it was time to make way for the next generation.
“I am retiring with immediate effect. I think this is the right time to move on,” the stylish middle-order batsman, who turns 38 in November, told reporters in his home city of Hyderabad.
“I think it is time to give youngsters a chance at home ahead of a tough season. I have always kept the country’s success ahead of personal aspirations.
“I thank the Almighty for allowing me to live my dream of playing for India.”
Laxman, better known by his initials VVS, has played 134 Tests since his debut in 1996, scoring 8,781 runs at an average of 45.97 with 17 centuries and 56 fifties.
He also scored 2,338 runs in 86 one-day internationals with six hundreds, but had not been part of India’s limited-overs squad since 2006.
India's one of the greatest test batsman. Unfortunately didn't get due recognition. By hitting 281 runs against Australia after enforcing follow on on India in Eden garden and thereby winning the game. It changed the way of Indian cricket forever.
Laxman was just a mediocre player. Every mediocre indian play is hyped up as always.
What an amazingly talented cricketer. For me right up to the class of Brian Lara when in full flow. Unfortunately did not get the publicity he deserved due to Tendulkar Phenomenon.
Who can forget his wristy drives, pulls and hooks. Special qualities were to stand up when the chips were down, could play long innings and play brilliantly with tail enders.
One great thing was him being a team man. As a Pakistani fan, I salute you for your exemplery contributions to cricket. We are indebted to you for making this game very very special. God Bless
What an amazingly talented batsman. Right up to the caliber of Brian Lara. Unfortunately was not given the proper place in Indian and International media due to Tendulkar phenomenon. His wristy drives, pulls, hooks and straight drives were a treat to watch. What makes him even special that he was a team player, always used to stood up when chips were down. Even today he proved he is sincere to Indian cricket, otherwise it was a golden oppurtunity for him to have played his last test in Hyderabad against a weaker NZ side. Hats off to you bro. Every Pakistani cricket lover will miss you. We have a special place for you in our hearts. cheers
He has done the right thing at the right time. Will other 'senior' members in the squad please stand up too?
A truly great batsman and a stylish one at that; one of a small select band of batsmen who performed best in difficult conditions and while others were failing; probably past his best following the recent away series in England and then Australia. Wish him well, as a Pakistan supporter.
Sir, that is real sportsmanship from across the border. Same is true on this side. We also have fond memories of great batsmen from across the border like Mohammaed Hanif, , Zaheer Abbas , Javed Miandad ——-
BNA
Fortunate to be in an era where someone like Laxman graced the game. His ability to play bounce and long handled wristy drives will be hard to forget. It takes a lot not to bow yourself out at the home ground in Hyderabad to a standing ovation and instead opting to make way for someone else. V V S was indeed Very Very Special.
Well done Laxman. You are going in time to pave way for younger generation. Hope Tendulkar is reading this news.
Sachin is still fit and can continue for couple of more years.
No point in making way for youngsters without any seniors in the side.
Sachin is useless now.
The most elegant and stylish batsman of the modern day cricket has ever seen.Truely a craftsman great array of strokes in his kitty. Difficult to fill the void. Simply very very special laxman , will miss his class.
VVS Laxman holds a special and unique corner in the history-books of Indian Cricket.
Indian cricket lovers will cherish memories of Laxman's sikly contribution to Cricket.
Wishing VVS Laxman a happy retrired life.
The reporter did not mention that VVS Laxman was picked for the upcoming series. Instead of making the series as its farewell one, he chose to retire in the larger interest of Indian cricket. No wondered he is one of the most respected cricketer in India.
Brave decision VVS. You will be sorely missed on the last day of every test match whenever India needs someone to battle it out on the pitch to save the test match.
When on his sublime best I haven't seen any one batting better than him. Without any argument the best match winner for the Indian side. Kudos Laxman for setting the standard of batting so high, we will miss your class (A fan from Pakistan)
one of my favorite batsman wil never forget mayck winning double century agaibst Austrakia. Will miss his mental toughness
Because of Selectors pressure Laxman retired and Indian selectors are always biased,entire team has failed in England and Australia,Schewag is physically unfit,still he will be selected.
A perfect timer of the ball.
he is one of the best match winner cricketer for india,the indian team will miss him badly in upcomming test matches.