VVS Laxman retires from international cricket

E-Paper | June 14, 2026

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VVS Laxman. -Photo by AFP

HYDERABAD: Veteran Indian batsman Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday, saying it was time to make way for the next generation.

“I am retiring with immediate effect. I think this is the right time to move on,” the stylish middle-order batsman, who turns 38 in November, told reporters in his home city of Hyderabad.

“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 thank the Almighty for allowing me to live my dream of playing for India.”

Laxman, better known by his initials VVS, has played 134 Tests since his debut in 1996, scoring 8,781 runs at an average of 45.97 with 17 centuries and 56 fifties.

He also scored 2,338 runs in 86 one-day internationals with six hundreds, but had not been part of India's limited-overs squad since 2006.

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Qamar

Aug 18, 2012 03:50pm

one of my favorite batsman wil never forget mayck winning double century agaibst Austrakia. Will miss his mental toughness

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dr vimal raina

Aug 18, 2012 03:06pm

A perfect timer of the ball.

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subbarao ch

Aug 18, 2012 03:43pm

Because of Selectors pressure Laxman retired and Indian selectors are always biased,entire team has failed in England and Australia,Schewag is physically unfit,still he will be selected.

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cricket lover

Aug 18, 2012 01:27pm

he is one of the best match winner cricketer for india,the indian team will miss him badly in upcomming test matches.

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Rashid

Aug 18, 2012 04:12pm

When on his sublime best I haven't seen any one batting better than him. Without any argument the best match winner for the Indian side. Kudos Laxman for setting the standard of batting so high, we will miss your class (A fan from Pakistan)

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Rohit

Aug 18, 2012 04:40pm

The reporter did not mention that VVS Laxman was picked for the upcoming series. Instead of making the series as its farewell one, he chose to retire in the larger interest of Indian cricket. No wondered he is one of the most respected cricketer in India. Brave decision VVS. You will be sorely missed on the last day of every test match whenever India needs someone to battle it out on the pitch to save the test match.

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Alert

Aug 18, 2012 05:24pm

VVS Laxman holds a special and unique corner in the history-books of Indian Cricket. Indian cricket lovers will cherish memories of Laxman's sikly contribution to Cricket. Wishing VVS Laxman a happy retrired life.

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dev

Aug 18, 2012 06:12pm

The most elegant and stylish batsman of the modern day cricket has ever seen.Truely a craftsman great array of strokes in his kitty. Difficult to fill the void. Simply very very special laxman , will miss his class.

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Syed Shah

Aug 18, 2012 07:09pm

Well done Laxman. You are going in time to pave way for younger generation. Hope Tendulkar is reading this news.

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anis kazi

Aug 18, 2012 07:32pm

Fortunate to be in an era where someone like Laxman graced the game. His ability to play bounce and long handled wristy drives will be hard to forget. It takes a lot not to bow yourself out at the home ground in Hyderabad to a standing ovation and instead opting to make way for someone else. V V S was indeed Very Very Special.

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(Dr.) B.N. Anand

Aug 18, 2012 07:41pm

Sir, that is real sportsmanship from across the border. Same is true on this side. We also have fond memories of great batsmen from across the border like Mohammaed Hanif, , Zaheer Abbas , Javed Miandad ------- BNA

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Nasser Ali Khan

Aug 18, 2012 11:40pm

A truly great batsman and a stylish one at that; one of a small select band of batsmen who performed best in difficult conditions and while others were failing; probably past his best following the recent away series in England and then Australia. Wish him well, as a Pakistan supporter.

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DrSalaria,AamirAhmad

Aug 19, 2012 12:22am

He has done the right thing at the right time. Will other 'senior' members in the squad please stand up too?

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desi

Aug 19, 2012 02:18am

Sachin is still fit and can continue for couple of more years. No point in making way for youngsters without any seniors in the side.

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Dr.Syed Jafri

Aug 19, 2012 05:15am

What an amazingly talented batsman. Right up to the caliber of Brian Lara. Unfortunately was not given the proper place in Indian and International media due to Tendulkar phenomenon. His wristy drives, pulls, hooks and straight drives were a treat to watch. What makes him even special that he was a team player, always used to stood up when chips were down. Even today he proved he is sincere to Indian cricket, otherwise it was a golden oppurtunity for him to have played his last test in Hyderabad against a weaker NZ side. Hats off to you bro. Every Pakistani cricket lover will miss you. We have a special place for you in our hearts. cheers

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jafrees2000

Aug 19, 2012 06:13am

What an amazingly talented cricketer. For me right up to the class of Brian Lara when in full flow. Unfortunately did not get the publicity he deserved due to Tendulkar Phenomenon. Who can forget his wristy drives, pulls and hooks. Special qualities were to stand up when the chips were down, could play long innings and play brilliantly with tail enders. One great thing was him being a team man. As a Pakistani fan, I salute you for your exemplery contributions to cricket. We are indebted to you for making this game very very special. God Bless

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anony

Aug 19, 2012 06:58am

Laxman was just a mediocre player. Every mediocre indian play is hyped up as always.

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anony

Aug 19, 2012 06:59am

Sachin is useless now.

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Narendra Kulkarni

Aug 20, 2012 09:33am

India's one of the greatest test batsman. Unfortunately didn't get due recognition. By hitting 281 runs against Australia after enforcing follow on on India in Eden garden and thereby winning the game. It changed the way of Indian cricket forever.

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