New Zealand series to be Laxman’s swan song

One special last act before taking the final bow. All good things must come to an end. So too V V S Laxman’s 16 years of illustrious international career.

The New Zealand series will be his swan song as he contemplates to draw the curtain on his reign as one of India’s top-most batsmen. The sudden decision came after he was reportedly hurt by a former cricketer’s comment that he was blocking the way of a youngster in the team.

 With a lot of cricket coming up in the next few months, Laxman decided that the New Zealand series, which commences with the first Test in his home town on August 23, he should go all guns blazing, waving to the home crowd.  There will be no better feeling than biding adieu to the game in this way

One of the rare qualities of the Hyderabadi stalwart was that he was never involved in any kind of controversy either on or off the field. An unassuming, humble and down-to-earth person, he did not believe in being dramatic. He was the epitome of gentlemanly behaviour on the field. He is indeed an excellent role model for the legion of upcoming cricketers. If at all he believed in anything, it was for his bat to do all the talking.

After Rahul Dravid’s exit earlier this year, there is undoubtedly a huge breach in the Indian middle order and now with the Very, Very Special Laxman calling it quits, the solidity and the dependability these two provided will be tested to the full. A lot of thought and deliberation was gone through before Laxman took the final call. He thought that if he dragged on his career, he would be holding up a place for a youngster. The wristy batsman also spoke to his family, cricket officials and coaches before coming to a conclusion.  To many this may seem a hasty decision.  He still has more in him, some may feel. But in hindsight, Laxman’s call may be a right one.  John Manoj, who has seen Laxman’s rise from a young cricketer, believes that his ward never compromised on principles and discipline. “He always believes in moral values. He is a true honest cricketer. He never wants to hurt others. We had a long discussion but he was very firm in quitting the scene. India will miss one of the greatest cricketer,’’ said Manoj.

Laxman mesmerised the world with his wristy flicks off the hips with great mastery and elegance in his 16 years.  He showed that he belonged to the classic genre of cricketers. We will miss you VVS!!!   More: P14