Published: Aug 20, 2012, 12:15 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 20, 2012, 12:15 AM (IST)
Former Indian captain Rahul Dravid hoped that India can soon find a player that can fill the void caused by VVS Laxman’s retirement © AFP
Bangalore: Aug 20, 2012
Former Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid said that he was surprised by VVS Laxman’s decision to quit international cricket.
He said, “It did come as a surprise that he retired considering that he has been preparing for the season and the fact that he had been picked for the series (against New Zealand).”
Dravid who on Sunday returned from London where he attended a meeting of the Marylebone Cricket Club said Laxman always maintained high standards for himself.
He was quoted by Deccan Chronicle as saying, “He would always want to live up to the high standards that he has set for himself but knowing the person that Laxman is, I am sure he wouldn’t want to play if he felt that his mind wasn’t free.”
The former Indian captain hoped that India can soon find a player that can fill the void caused by Laxman’s retirement.
He said, “Ultimately it’s his decision (to retire). India will miss him in the Tests ahead but it’s also the time to reflect on what Laxman achieved for India.
“Hopefully a young cricketer will take the opportunity and maximise his talent and do what Laxman did for India all these years.”
Dravid paid tribute to the Hyderabadi batsman and said he played many crucial knocks for India.
He said, “Laxman is a great cricketer and one of the finest batsmen ever to have played for India. He was part of an era during which India was successful in Test cricket and he also contributed enormously towards that success.
“His performance on the field and personality off it were always of high standard. He has played many crucial knocks that helped India.”
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