Published: Aug 18, 2012, 05:39 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 18, 2012, 05:39 PM (IST)
VVS Laxman surprisingly chose to hang his boots with immediate effect without taking the opportunity to bow out of international cricket in front of his home crowd © Getty Images
Hyderabad: Aug 18, 2012
VVS Laxman, who retired from international cricket with ‘immediate effect’, on Saturday said he wants to continue contributing to the Indian cricket.
The 37-year old said it’s has always been his aim to help the youngsters. He also said share his experience with the Hyderabad team.
“I want to share my experience with the youngsters in the Hyderabad dressing room. I want to do what my seniors did by helping the next generation.”
“I would like to announce my retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. I think it’s right time to move on”, an emotional Laxman told a press conference here.
Laxman, who was picked in the Indian squad for the two-match Test series against New Zealand beginning from August 23, surprisingly chose to hang his boots with immediate effect without taking the opportunity to bow out of international cricket in front of his home crowd.
“It was a tough decision to take, I have always listened to my inner conscience. The inner voice is a divine voice, I have always done that right through my career. There was a lot of debate in the last four days. I felt this is the right time to move on”, he said.
Laxman, who earned the sobriquet ‘Very Very Special’ for his style and flair, played 134 Tests, amassing 8,781 runs at an average of 45.97. He scored 17 hundreds and 56 half centuries in the longer format of the game.
Laxman, who was not a regular in India’s ODI team, played 86 matches for an aggregate of 2338 at an average of 30.76.
Unfortunately for him, he could never be a part of India’s World Cup campaigns which remains one of his biggest regrets.
“I have always kept my country’s success and need ahead of my personal aspirations. 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.
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