V.V.S. Laxman has decided to call it a day. “I announce my retirement from international cricket with immediate effect,” the stylish India batsman informed a crowded gathering at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday.
In a way, he set a unique trend by quitting the game when he is already in the squad for the Test series against New Zealand starting on August 23 in Hyderabad. “I am not playing in the two-Test series,” he made it clear.
“I listened to the divine inner voice and to my conscience. I feel it is the right time to move on. And, as one who always put the team’s interests ahead of personal goals, I thought this is the best way to give the youngsters a chance in a home series ahead of the tougher overseas assignments,” 37-year-old Laxman said to a stunned audience.
“I would have loved to play the tougher series against Australia and England later this season. But, somehow, I found it extremely difficult in the last four days to keep going,” the elegant Hyderabadi said.
Fabulous journey
“It was my dream as a youngster, to represent India. And, I am blessed by the almighty to have played for 16 glorious years of international cricket. I cherish every moment of that fabulous journey,” Laxman said.
“I always read about sportspersons entering a phase when they feel they should call it a day. I thought I have entered that phase, and I will not regret my decision,” he said. “I am very clear in my mind and conscience. There is no way I am going to regret this decision.”
Laxman also apologised to the family members and well-wishers, who were hoping he would play for one last time in a Test in Hyderabad. “I know my parents, especially, would have loved to see me in action. But, I repeat, that I listened to the divine inner voice and that is it,” he said.
Referring to his cricketing journey, the veteran of many a battle said it was an honour to play alongside legends like Sachin, Rahul and Ganguly. “I enjoyed every moment of my association with all of them and my captain M.S. Dhoni. I will never forget the bonding and the affection they showed me right through,” he said.
The star India batsman said he informed the national selectors on Saturday morning about his decision to retire. What was their response? “Definitely, they were surprised and did not want me to quit. But, I convinced them, as I did my parents, that I would be happy if I retire,” he said braving a smile.
“I am grateful to the HCA, BCCI and the national selectors over the years and all those well-wishers for extending their support. I think it is time to express gratitude to all of them and my coaches in domestic and international cricket,” he said.
Struggling to control his emotions, Laxman reminded that he always gave his best for the Indian team. “I might have disappointed sometimes. But, that was not for want of commitment,” he said.
Not hasty decision
The classy batsman, who made his Test debut in 1996 against South Africa, also asserted that it was not a hasty decision or one taken because of the adverse comments in a section of the media that he is blocking the chances of youngsters.
“No doubt, it is a very emotional decision. Especially in the last four or five days, I found it really tough when I was debating about retirement. But, I must thank my parents for giving me complete freedom to take the final call,” Laxman said.
“Definitely, till a few weeks ago, I never thought of quitting at the start of the two-Test series against New Zealand. In fact, I have been training really hard for the last four months. But lately, there has been a serious internal, mental battle which suggested I should end my career,” he said.
Did the dismal tours of England and Australia last season play a role in his decision? “Definitely, they were huge disappointments. I mean, no Indian cricketer would like to see the team lose so badly. But, then again, you should also remember that we were on top of the world at our best. So, I look at that phase as part and parcel of the sport,” he explained.
“Yes, I did call up my India teammates including captain M.S. Dhoni, who is very difficult to get on phone (with a smile) and spoke to them. Honestly, I was moved by the abundance of affection they showed. And, all of them were surprised and did not want me to retire,” Laxman said.
To the delight of the HCA secretary Dr. M.V. Sridhar, president G. Vinod and vice-president N. Shivlal Yadav, Laxman made it clear that he would now chase another dream — to lead Hyderabad to Ranji Trophy victory this season.
Dr. Sridhar announced that the Northern Stand at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium will now be named after this “great cricketer”.
Keywords: V.V.S. Laxman, Test cricket
Cricket will lost a part of it's own and bowlers will breathe happily
after your decision and you made all the Indian to rise their head on
the pathetic situation.You truely made a great service to the game of
Cricket and that will remember you always.
The Eden Test will be the one of the greatest inning of cricket history.
"HAT'S OFF LEGEND AND TAKE A BOW"
It is once again a lesson which our Test selectors should learn that
they should not fiddle with anyone who has self-esteem and success
strung together. It will definitely take some time to replace Laksman.
Thanks to this Very Very Special Loadbearer of our times who will stand
tall in the annals of Indian Cricket.
there are no words that can describe your importance to indian cricket? cricket will never be same without you man. hats off!
Fantastic decision dear Lakshman. You certainly took the right decision.. and just like
how you performed in pressure situations.. you came out with an equally classic knock..
causing a KO! I wrote a comment the other day when it was reported that you were
contemplating a retirement.. regarding "karma sidhdhantam".. you believed in that and
never really worried about the results. You will be forever be remembered as a "karma
yogi"... I've read comments suggesting you to continue till you reach 10,000 runs, or
more centuries or this or that.. and also some negative comments... they just don't get
your point of view.. continue with your awesome service! Wish you all good for your
future endeavors!
VVS Laxman, many fast bowlers has a fear of that name.Now they can breath happily,specially Australians now can bowl Indians freely because there is no Dravid and Laxman to test them...
Hat's off to u Laxman.. All the best....
From AP Laxman era ends now Who will be the next of Laxman????
We miss you laxman...
Hats off! Very Very Special Laxman.
You are the Gentleman in the gentleman game.
We remember your services for our nation forever.
By V.V.S.Lakshman's retirement from the International cricket , India
lost a good cricketer . He is one of the stylish batsman and it will be
difficult to fill his place in the Indian cricket.
Hats off to VVS, although sad to see him to go. India lost an able match
winner. Perfect timing; the selectors and the BCCI were stumped. Like
RD, he is another unassuming and a gentleman cricketer.
Not only a great cricketer and a great team man, VVS along with Rahul &
Sachin never showed dissent to an umpire's decision either on or off the
field. Truly gentleman and model for younger players. Who can ever
forget your epic 281 at Kolkata or the wristy, silky drives? Thank You.
It is a heart break VVS. I am sure for every Indian Cricket fan it is a heart break! After Dravid you
called it quits! Not any more after being 2 down at a low score we will be able to hope that "There is
a man in middle order who can stay there for all god damn five days. "And we trust him". Not any
more we will be able to hope for those epic partnerships which you and Dravid had made and are
able to create in sheer pressure crunch situations.Well it came as a shock to us.
I am sure Australia has a reason to celebrate.
But its a sad day in my heart. Indian Test team needed you like anything after Dravid retired. Two
main building blocks of Indian Success saga in test are gone. I am not belittling or putting a doubt
on Kohli,Raina etc. but they do needed a mentor.
Being a great fan of your tremendously splendid batmanship i trust your instinct and i am happy that
you are leaving on your terms. Will surely tune in to Ranji matches to see those incredible flicks
and wrist shots.
Our V.V.S. Laxman has served the Gentleman's Game with dedication and distinction. Thanks for the joy you brought to us through your classy batting exploits. Wishing Laxman all the very best in life.
VVS was the biggest fighter and team man in the Indian test team, more
than Saurav, Sachin and Dravid. Only Anil Kumble had the same fighting
spirit to win the game for the country. He gave us a lot of great
moments to cherish. It was always a pleasure to watch him bat, even when
it was a test match. Good luck VVS, in your retirement life!
Laxman,a special player, a finisher, a middle order specialist, a legend who will always be remembered for winning matches from tight situations. SALUTE the man for laurels he bought for India in cricket.
Laxman you did a lot for Indian cricket but you did not get the due
attentation what you deserve.Like the Laxman in Ramayana you did
everything to Indian cricket without any selfisness.
VVS Sir,Thanks will be small word , You have given lot of moments which
made us proud as an Indian. I am really lucky that I was born in an era
where I have seen Laxman's Batting.All the best for to you and your
lovely family who have supported you at the every step of life.
Whenever his name appeared on giant electronic screens, fear of
Tasmanian teams ran through lumbar vertebra. Not just because he was
from a nation which rallied behind Gandhi, a phenomenon in his own
right-sober, subtle, and solid. But because, he was an artist on a
playing canvas where his majestic painting brush with 'its' precision
to draw gaps between any two 'protectors' was always more than
accurate. And those sketches, once finished with little or no support
- from art gallery 'administrator' to fellow 'egotistic' artist, was
always a result favouring Sub-continental contingent. This man, since
20 November 1996, always carried with him loads of Indian self-esteem.
Opposition players found themselves in an unconscious trap. There were
many lessons in oppositon camps on how to attack opposition
psychologically but none would yield results. That significantly
reduced pain and pressure on India's celebrated Bradman clone, Sachin
Tendulkar.
We miss you, legend!
Great sportsman.We will miss the greatest cricketer.
What a class act! Lakshman brings credit to his family, city and his state. All the best for his future endeavours!!
Hats off to u the very very very special guy.......@we would always remember you for your self-less service to the nation...........@best wishes for your future life ahead!!!!
This is Legend Which always has to be remember by Indian Team ... A
great wall for Australia after Dravid
You sir,are a champ.
Wonder if we can enjoy watching test matches without Dravid &
Laxman...Will our batting lineup last 50 overs without them? I dont
think so...Kudos!
VVS Laxman is one of the greatest batsmen ever and he would be remembered as a
master against Australia.
He would be remembered as one of the cleanest, sportsmen who would be an example
for all sportsmen.
I pray him to play an active role in preparing India towards winning a top slot in
Olympics.
He should begin this from his native city Hyderabad.
u were a artist... your wristy shots which you played so naturally will
be etched in the memory in times to come.... above all that you were
good human being on and off the field holding Indian ethos very high...
After your retirement the golden era of Indian test cricket is coming to
an end. For people like us who grew up watching you, Dravid, Ganguly,
Kumble and Sachin playing, cricket will not be same. Test match will
you!!! have a wonderful retired life... :)
Laxman Bhai,
I respect your decision, but as a fan I can never get
enough of your batting. I wish you had stayed on for another year.
These comments from people and media are not new for you. You have
such a huge number of cricket fans rating you higher than any other
batsman in crisis situations. Your 281 against Aussies is an epic and
I thought at that time a cricketer just needs one memorable innings
like that. Given your caliber, you went on to play many more innings
which only a cricket fan can rate as equal or better than that 281.
Your innings inspired me and enhanced my positive outlook countless
times. You are a great role model.
I will continue to follow you in the Ranji season. God bless you and
your family. All the Best for your future.
We will certainly miss a great and master class cricketer like
V.V.S.Laxman in the Indian team,his valuable contributions and
commitment to the team are legendary.Saved us in many a sticky
situations,his position among the greats of Indian batting is up
there. Still had a few more years of cricket left in him,should have
carried on and displayed the match winning effort that is still there
even at the age of 37,which is a lesson for today's young and budding
cricketers.Many a people would remember his B I G hundreds in the
Ranji trophy,Duleep trophy,Irani trophy etc.Its these B I G hundreds
that catapulted him to the national stage.We will all miss the
TRUSTED,middle order SOLIDITY and STABILITY that Laxman gave us and
were sure that we would never be let down.Wish you all the best,god
bless your family for giving us those joyous and wonderful moments
that would be remembered for a long time to come and hope to see you
associated with the Indian cricket team in the future.
Laxman You are quitting the game with STYLE as you played these 16 years. I have been watching your game since you got selected for under 16. You proved to give preference for your self respect not to hear dirty comments by some unethicals. You proved to be too humble and your tall figure like your tall scores keep peoples' memory alive always. I wish you and your family the best.
The effortless pushes that reached the boundaries on the off side and
the wristy leg side shots epitomised the batsman Laxam. The tall
elegance which he showed during his plays would ever linger in the
minds of cricket watchers of long version. Even though not given the
importance he deserved as he played along with Sachin and Dravid
during his playing days, he would always be remembered for the crucial innings he played during India's famous victories over Australia. As
every innings had to come to an end, his innings as a cricketer has
ended as per his conscientiousness. Let us all wish Laxman for his
correct and courageous decision.
Sad...not the way you treat a legend. Wake up India
Decision to retire to give playing chance to youngsters is really great. We miss Very Vey special batting and scoring , winning matches for India when needed will always be in our memory.
May God belss Laxman.
I have been a cricket watcher for the last 30 years. I admire many
cricketers. But, I am a fan of only one cricketer. And that cricketer
is VVS Laxman. I can do anything to watch Laxman playing. He is a rare
gentleman. He has given us joy and never shared his pain and
tribulations with us fans. Today I am very sad that he won't play any
more for India. But, I know, the perfect gentleman that he is, he would
never share his pain with us. And I know we should support his
decision. I would love to see him as a commentator or a cricket coach.
I salute him and his contributions to cricket and wish him all the
best.
Adieu! In addition to being an excellent and extremely dependable
batsman, VVS Laxman was the gentleman cricketer, like Rahul Dravid,
Sachin Tendulkar and very few others; indeed he was one of a dying
breed!
Watching Cricket will never be the same again without you. Azar's exit was filled in by VVS , Now no one in sight of doing that for us fans. KUDOS and Thanks
Thanks a lot VVS Laxman for all your contributions to Indian Cricket
and for continuously entertaining the Cricket fans all over the world.
Its really sad and hard to imagine a Indian test team without VVS. He
has clearly left a void that cannot be filled. A true gentleman of the
game and who always given his best for the Country. I am sure that the
281 not out he scored against the Aussies @ Kolkata is etched in the
memory of Cricket lovers all over the world. The grace, charm and
elegance of this stroke play something really special and can never be
replaced. As a Cricket fan and as an Indian, I Salute the Legend of
Cricket. Thanks once again VVS.
A true Gentleman Cricketer! whatever he did had class written all over, even in his retirement, he has only raised the bar!!!
Now Australians will be happy..miss you Lacchi...
Lakshman, U r great and really very very special hyderabadi for u r selfless service to indian cricket .....all the best for u r future endevours ... but worried about who is next ..fulfill u r berth ....
A thorough gentleman player, VVS has called quits at the right time!
A highly accomplished stylish stroke-maker, Venkata Sai Laxman's abrupt announcement to retire from international cricket has given a rude shock to many.Indian cricket XI, especially the squad for test matches, will keenly miss Laxman for quite some time, at least till it finds an suitable substitute to replace him. VVS, as he is known to his close friends, has made valuable contributions to Indian cricket during his stay in the international arena for more than a decade-and-a-half. By publishing his retirement announcement along with an excllent report and a beautiful family photograph, The Hindu has given a fitting farewell to this great player.
It may be a good decision for you to quit cricket but it's a very dismal moment of Indians who were enthralled by the one of the great legends play in the world.Every Indian miss you and your elegant play.We are aspired that you play for some more years..but your decision made us grim for our future Test cricket..It's really a difficult task to replace your job.Any way we hope you that will enjoy your Second Innings....
VVS-Very very special laxman..What else you can say..a true legend,role model for youngsters who look for class & style batting and above all a fantastic person..HAts off,take a bow!!!
single word is enough for you "very very special". Miss you a lot when watch any test match in future.......
I feel surprised & disappointed to hear the announcement of retirement
by Very Very Special Laxman. I had expected that he plays at least the
Hyderabad test before retirement when I had met him recently in Mysore.
Any way,I wish him good luck for his future life.
G R Vishwanath, Zaheer Abbas, Mohd.Azharuddin, VVS Laxman - how long one
should wait for this kind of artists?
we are missing you a lot laxman.The performance which you had given to our country is fabulous and the decision you made to give your experience to the youngsters will come up with great pride.May i wish you to have a bright future
I salute you for a wonderful cricketing carrier,for last 16 yrs,you
stand
tall among the all test playing countries,your wrist work is a
masterstroke,once again i salute you for for great artistery shown while
performing with the willow.........................
Sad to see the great Indian middle order depart. VVS was a treat to
watch on his good days. Wishes.
Very very special man of Indian cricket team retires :(. Hats off and a
huge salute to this very special man for his enormous contribution to
the Cricketing world.
A really great batsman who was appreciated more abroad than at home; a pleasure to watch and a source of strength to the Indian middle order. Big shoes to fill for the youngsters... Best wishes for continued success in your future endevours....
I feel surprised disappointed to hear the announcement of retirement by
VVS because I had expected that he plays at least the Hyderabad test
before retiring. Any way, I wish him good luck for his future life.
Sir, you are Very, Very, Special indeed. All Indians are immensely proud of and grateful for your service to the nation. Salute. All the best in your future endeavours. God bless.
End of an era...
Hats off to all the victories which this guy got to India, especially against Aussies! Wishing him all the best and great future even after the retirement from cricket!!!
Farwell! Another sobriquet ought to be Very Very Selfless. You will be missed, not just for your flair, but also for being a team player. Those that argue youngsters must be brought in - The youngsters need to LEARN from those who have been there and done it. Ample o opportunities have been provided only to be frittered away. The learning process needs to be imbibed, instead of asking those who have dedicated their talent to the country to make way for "youngsters", who put self over country.
we miss you in the field,laxman
Like his close buddy, Dravid, VVS also timed his retirement aptly.
It is time for sachin to follow pursuit and pave way for youngsters.
Viv Richards will always be remembered for tearing the english bowling attach to pieces in sheer retaliation for Tony Greig's , infamous, comment 'I will make them grovel'.
Like this, VVS knock will be remembered for stopping Steve waugh from conquering his last frontier.
I remember, years back, a tourist from South Africa saying that they always liked the stylish batting of Azharuddhin than Sachin.
vishy, Azhar and VVS were real gems from the south. Like Rajan bala's eternal argument, on Arts vs science , about Sunil and Vishy, if we compare VVS with Sachin, VVS ranks streets ahead of Sachin in taking the attack to the opposition. It used to be said that while most of the cricketers, would go on the front foot to cover drive a full length delivery, Vishy would always be on his back foot to square drive the same length. The way VVS played Australian quickies on fast pitches there, would make him rank and rub shoulder with the West indian greats like Roy Fredericks and Alvin.
Laxman was a brilliant cricketer and a consummate team man who donned the country's colours with distinction. When he was at his best his elegance and grace as he wielded the window like a wand was scintillating and a sight to behold. Although overshadowed by his contemporaries like Sachin and Dravid, Laxman remained the quintessential cricketer who could be counted on when the chips were down and the wicket was tough. A disciplined soldier who took every harsh decision against him on his chin, VVS will be sorely missed.
V V S Laxman has taken the right decision at the right time. He was a cricketer of outstanding ability and almost on all occasions he performed well. Had we made efforts to provide lively pitches in India, we would have seen more number of batsmen like him. Unfortunately, we still do not make pitches which help pace bowlers.
Secondly, my observation is that all the fabulous four (DRAVID, TENDULKAR, GANGULY and LAXMAN) could have together won many more matches for Team India because had all of them scored runs in the same match on many more occasions. Statistics tell us that one or more of the four failed to score runs when one of them did well. Also, our bowlers failed to perform to their potential in trying circumstances.
Why use word sunset ? Every time sun rises he will set too eh ! This is
true for all sons of soil (also daughters !) Nobody can remain fit and
fine all thru life to play; VVS is already OLD enough to say Bye; in
fact, there should be a rule reg: age in all sports, so that previous
big "stars" stop preventing grooming of new fresh talent; you say Under
19 cricket, Under 10 tennis etc; so also specify age limit for all tests
and other games so that we can see help other youth in game flourish !
Good luck to VVS ; may he engage himself in USEFUL activities God bless.
We will miss you Laxman. Thank you for whatever you have given to the
game and country. You are simply one of those irreplaceable players.
Best wishes for your future. It is an emotional adieu.
He is a legend masked by bigger contemporary legends Dravid 'the wall' , sachin 'god of cricket' , Ganguly 'dada'. He used to flow under the carpet and brought laurels to the Indian Cricket. I some how feel that he couldn't get the focus he deserved. He is a cricketer whose best is yet to come...
His low profile stature helped him in shrugging off unnecessary pressures. He should have been given more chance in one day cricket.
Any how Thanks for entertaining the crowd ... Wishing best of Luck for all your future endeavors !!!
It is a very very sensible and bold decision from very very special Laxman. As pointed out in the article he was a stylish batsman, and his batting was always a treat to watch. His match winning innings on many occasions will always be remembered. His farewell message as a batsman is honest and touchy and should inspire others. All the best to him as he steps in into a new phase in his life.
VVS,we respect your conscientious decision.Like the Laxman of
Ramayana,you will be remembered forever for your selfless service and
dedication to Indian Cricket,which has won us several matches and saved
many a test match.We wish you Godspeed and Good luck in all your
endeavors
one of the greatest batsmen of this era didnot get enough importance in indian cricket because nasty politics for example he dint get chance to lead the country as a captain just like anil kumble and rahul dravid later two got chances in a difficult positions unlike saurav and dhoni etc. laxman and dravid when they r playing u never get stress
Laxman u did a great job good luck in ur future endeavours
Kudos! Great way to hang his boots! People will remember you for ever when you go on your terms!!!
Farewell big fella you were a tall man.. Cricket will not be the same without you. !!
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