VVS Laxman announces retirement from international cricket-Sad

Veteran batsman VVS Laxman speaks at a press conference while announcing his retirement from international cricket at the Rajiv Gandhi International cricket stadium in Hyderabad.

NEW DELHI: Veteran Indian batsman VVS Laxman announced on
Saturday that he would be retiring from international cricket with
immediate effect. VVS calls it a day “It’s been 16 years since I have made my international debut for India
and I think it is the right time to move on,” said an emotional Laxman
after announcing his retirement in Hyderabad.
“As a youngster it was dream to represent India and it took lot of pride
to wear India cap, Laxman added.
“I would like to give youngsters an opportunity to prove themselves,” said Laxman. “I am grateful to almighty for blessing me to live my
dream of playing cricket”
“I have always felt that I have got the opportunity to serve my
country and have played the best cricket not only in India but overseas
as well,” Laxman further added.
“I think it is time to give youngsters a chance at home ahead of a tough season. I have always kept the country’s success ahead of
personal aspirations.”
“I communicated my decision to BCCI earlier in the day that I am not
going to continue playing cricket and would hang my boots with
immediate effect,” Laxman said while answering to mediapersons.
“It was emotional during the past 4-5 hours while talking to my colleagues with whom I’ve shared the dressing room. I have not been
able to get in touch with ‘MS’ as he is very hard to reach,” said Laxman.
“Any innings that saves a match is very special. There are a lot of
innings and matches that are very close to me and I will cherish all of
them.”
“Durban 2010 (96 vs SA) was one of those knocks that I would cherish. Winning that match in the fashion that we did will be very memorable
to me.”
“I will be very satisfied with the decision that I have taken and I will
never regret this decision. Even in my exit, I will be following and
living my ideals, which would be to keep the country before my
personal needs,” Laxman added. “It was my privilege to play with the some of the legends of the game
like Sachin, Rahul, Kumble, Sehwag, Saurav and a lot of other players as
well. All of them inspired me because everyone had one single goal -
to do well for country and to work for the progress of Indian cricket.
They were all role models for me.”
Laxman was also picked for the forthcoming India-New Zealand two- Test series but the stylish Hyderabadi stunned the cricket fraternity by
calling it quits with immediate effect.

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