12 years ago
This is what N Srinivasan, the BCCI President had to say on Laxman's retirement
"Not many batsmen made batting look as easy as VVS Laxman. He was an exceptional cricketer, who excelled in pressure situations. The classic innings that he essayed in crisis situations shaped the history of Indian cricket, none more so than the 281 against Australia at Kolkata in March 2001. If a cricketer's greatness is to be measured in terms of his performances against the best opposition of his time, then Laxman stands right at the top. His record against Australia, the world's no. 1 team for the better part of his career, speaks for itself. Indian cricket-lovers, and the game of cricket itself, will miss him for the elegance and grace that he epitomised, on and off the field. On behalf of the BCCI, I would like to wish VVS Laxman all the best for the future."
"Not many batsmen made batting look as easy as VVS Laxman. He was an exceptional cricketer, who excelled in pressure situations. The classic innings that he essayed in crisis situations shaped the history of Indian cricket, none more so than the 281 against Australia at Kolkata in March 2001. If a cricketer's greatness is to be measured in terms of his performances against the best opposition of his time, then Laxman stands right at the top. His record against Australia, the world's no. 1 team for the better part of his career, speaks for itself. Indian cricket-lovers, and the game of cricket itself, will miss him for the elegance and grace that he epitomised, on and off the field. On behalf of the BCCI, I would like to wish VVS Laxman all the best for the future."
Laxman: I never regret a decision that I take for the simple fact that I am clear in my conscience. We all love the game so much but very few get the opportunity to play for the country. I am satisfied with the decision I have taken.
Laxman: Durban is supposed to be the toughest wicket in South Africa and a victory there was truly special.
Laxman: All international bowlers are difficult to play but one of the most wily was Wasim Akram and he would rank right up there.
Every knock which helps the team to win the game, is a special game.
Every knock which helps the team to win the game, is a special game.
Laxman: Starting with contributing to Hyderabad cricket, I would love to give back to the game which has given me each and everything. I would be playing for Hyderabad this year in the Ranji and sharing my experience with them.
Laxman: When I watch the 281, I feel extremely lucky to have been a part of that victory. It always gives us a tremendous boost.
Laxman: With great consideration the Chairman of Selectors accepted my decision and I am grateful for that. I tried contacting Mahendra Singh Dhoni but it was difficult to reach him.
I also wish the team all the very best. It is true that we did not play up to the potential in Australia and England on the last tour but previously we have had great tours there and this was just a one-off.
Laxman: As far as fitness goes, I worked quite hard for the last 3 and a half months.
This happened to me four or five days back when an internal battle started. The inner voice asked me if I wanted to play for my own self or in the better interest of the country. Other greats who have retired in their careers told me that when such a thing happens, you should know that the right time has come. That happened 4-5 days ago.
This happened to me four or five days back when an internal battle started. The inner voice asked me if I wanted to play for my own self or in the better interest of the country. Other greats who have retired in their careers told me that when such a thing happens, you should know that the right time has come. That happened 4-5 days ago.
Laxman: This is definitely an emotional moment for everyone not just my family and me but for the cricket fraternity. Obviously, there are a lot of people who do not want me to retire. The only things my parents told me was to follow my inner voice. My parents have always respected my conscience and that's what I did while taking this decision.
Laxman: I communicated to the selectors this morning. I communicated to the board this morning that I will not continue to play cricket.
And another of the fab four goes. All that remains now is Sachin Tendulkar.
Very Very Special Laxman: I also thank the Hyderabad Cricket Association and the BCCI. The BCCI gave me these 16 years to represent my country. I also thank the National Cricket Academy and the physio there Ashish Chowdhary who took care of my back.
Also all the captains I have played under, all the coaches.
Most importantly I thank all my colleagues with whom I have played. The moments spent with them will always be cherished throughout my life.
All my fans, well-wishers and the media who have supported me right through this journey, I thank all of them.
I might have disappointed a lot of them but never without the lack of effort.
In the end I thank the Almighty for such a great journey.
Also all the captains I have played under, all the coaches.
Most importantly I thank all my colleagues with whom I have played. The moments spent with them will always be cherished throughout my life.
All my fans, well-wishers and the media who have supported me right through this journey, I thank all of them.
I might have disappointed a lot of them but never without the lack of effort.
In the end I thank the Almighty for such a great journey.
As I was most of the time travelling, my wife has taken care of my two kids with aplomb.
Laxman: I have been fortunate enough to serve my country through cricket. I have not only played at the vest grounds in India but also abroad. I would also like to thank my parents with whose blessings and good upbringing I have come thus far. My maternal uncle spotted my talent and brought me into cricket.
VVS Laxman: I would like to thank God.
I have always kept the country's success and need ahead of my aspirations. I could not perform up to the expected levels in Australia and England. It is time to give chance to youngsters now so that they prepare for the future tough tours.
I have always kept the country's success and need ahead of my aspirations. I could not perform up to the expected levels in Australia and England. It is time to give chance to youngsters now so that they prepare for the future tough tours.
VVS Laxman: I would like to announce my retirement from cricket with immediate effect.
It has been 16 years since I started playing and I find this the correct time to retire.
It has been 16 years since I started playing and I find this the correct time to retire.
Laxman has arrived at the Uppal Stadium with his family.
During the second phase of his career, he turned batting with tail-enders into an art. He missed out on many centuries as he had to bat with the lower order. His innings of 96 against South Africa in Durban in 2010 was another effort worth remembering as he played against the likes of Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. That innings set up an Indian victory.
He earned the nickname of 'Very Very Special' after his knock of 281 but his stupendous record against Australia, which clearly was the best team during his playing days makes him a class apart. He scored as many as six centuries against the Australians - all of which were hallmark of his greatness. In 2010, Laxman played yet another defining innings - an unbeaten knock of 73 against Australia at Mohali. He was suffering from acute back spasms and had to bat with a runner and he guided India to an improbable victory by playing alongside No 10 batsman Ishant Sharma.
With Laxman's retirement, only Sachin Tendulkar will remain among the golden generation of Indian cricketers after the retirements of Anil Kumble, Ganguly and Dravid.
The 37-year-old batsman, who formed the core of India's famed middle-order that had Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly, ruled world cricket for almost 16 years with his wristy stroke-making. He scored 8781 runs with 17 Test centuries with highlight being the epic knock of 281 against Australia where India won the Test match after being made to follow on. He has a Test average of 45.97.
