VVS Laxman retired from international cricket in 2012, ahead of Test series against New Zealand | Photo Credit: AP

VVS Laxman’s retirement from the game left a big hole in Indian cricket as the team lost the services of one of the greatest middle-order batsmen for India. During the last days of his career, he trained hard and looked all set to continue for a while, despite a poor show on the tour of Australia in 2011/12. Before the selection panel could have dropped the Indian legend, Laxman himself decided to step aside, announcing a surprise retirement from the game on August 18 in 2012.

His decision came as a big surprise, considering that the first test of the series against New Zealand was to be played at his home ground, Hyderabad. He could have played just one more game and enjoy the reception which Sachin Tendulkar enjoyed in 2013. But Laxman did not want it. He was firm to call it quits ahead of the series, even after he was named in the squad.

Though, his retirement erupted controversy as he revealed that he failed to establish a communication with MS Dhoni, the then captain of Indian cricket team. “I did try to get in touch with Dhoni but as you know it’s very difficult to reach him,” he said during the press conference.

The decision of Laxman to not invite the skipper in a party hosted after the retirement added to it and question regarding him (Dhoni) not being invited to the event did come up in front of the captain during the pre-match press conference. The skipper clearly said that he wasn’t invited to the party.

(MS Dhoni was captain of India when VVS Laxman announced his retirement. Photo credits: PTI)

On being asked why did Laxman retire, Dhoni replied to reporters to ask Laxman why did he retire from the game. There were clear signs that everything was not well between the two legends. The Indian selectors called up Subramaniam Badrinath to replace Laxman for the two-match Test series against New Zealand.

Very Very Special Laxman retired from the game after playing 134 Tests and 86 ODIs. He scored 8781 runs in the longest format of the game at an average of 45.97.

At a time when Australia were the powerhouse of cricket, they were the favourite opposition for Laxman. He scored 2434 runs against Kangaroos in Tests at an average of 49.67, scoring six centuries and 12 half-centuries.

His innings of 281 in Kolkata, probably the best one for him of his career, also came against Australia when India were following on. He and Rahul Dravid shared 376 runs for the fifth wicket, batting more than 100 overs together to help India post the most iconic win in the history of Indian cricket.

Laxman did not get many chances in ODIs and never played a World Cup contest. After his retirement, he played two Ranji Trophy games for Hyderabad in 2012/13 season. Presently, he is the mentor of IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad and a cricket expert as well.