Laxman likely to retire

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A whole new meaning may have been given to what would otherwise have been a low-key Test series between India against a depleted New Zealand. The classy VVS Laxman is likely to call it a day after the second Test scheduled to be held in Bengaluru from August 31 and his farewell Tests might inject some life into the series.

Saddened by recent comments made by former Indian players questioning Laxman’s place in the squad, the 37-yearsold veteran of 134 Tests was even hesitant to play the series against the Kiwis. It has taken some persuasion from family and friends to convince him to play a farewell series.
For a player who had to constantly live under pressure in spite of being one of the biggest match winners for India, Laxman had endured a lot of unnecessary flak, especially before Kris Srikkanth took over as chairman of the selection committee.

If there is one missing link in Laxman’s resume it has to be his conversion rate. In 225 innings the stylist has made only 17 hundreds although game changing contributions may have been countless. He was never the one to make easy runs. He silenced critics by making runs when his team needed them the most. In the last 12 months, Laxman has managed an average of 36.84. In the same period Sachin Tendulkar has averaged 41.26.

A second innings average of 48.88 (career average of 45.97) that increases to 67.10 in winning causes is apt reflection of Laxman’s value addition to a team where he largely remained an unsung hero amidst superstars. Form has oscillated of late with Laxman enjoying success against West Indies (home and away) only to be sandwiched between poor returns from England and Australia.
It is reliably learnt that the selection committee is not aware of the developments on Laxman’s retirement.

To infuse youth is the way forward but none of the candidates have actually done enough to dislodge Laxman. There is nothing wrong if the decision to call it quits is entirely personal. If some newspaper columns and sound bytes from former cricketers have pushed Laxman to this, then it is an extremely sad day for Indian cricket.