VVS Laxman
Rumours of Laxman calling it a day began with the
debacle in Australia. But
after Dravid’s stepping down, the Hyderabadi batsman continued to do the club
cricket rounds, training hard, well into the hot Indian summer. It was obvious
that Laxman was confident of returning to form and keen to have another go in
Tests.
With the team for the series at home against New
Zealand to be picked, once again Laxman’s
spot in the side was surrounded by speculation. Some media reports indicated
that the selectors had spoken to VVS and assured him of a place in the side,
provided he bid farewell after it. Though that was never proven, Laxman went on
to surprise the cricket community and his fans alike. He announced his
retirement with immediate effect, after he was picked in the side for the
two-match Test series and just days before the first Test began. Laxman claimed
he wanted to give youngsters the opportunity to play at home. In it he denied
himself what was undoubtedly a huge temptation to play one last game in his
home town.
The wristy stylist will always be remembered for several of his epic innings.
Mohali, Adelaide, Sydney to name
just a few. And above them all for his 281* at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens in 2001
that scripted India’s most
famous Test win and turnaround of recent decades. With his affinity for Aussie
bowling attacks, the only ones heaving a sigh of relief are the boys from Down
Under.
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