The two Test series between India and New Zealand starting on August 23 might be the last that VVS Laxman will play as the classy right-handed batsman is contemplating retirement.
According to 'The Hindu' Laxman is planning to announce his retirement shortly, after having consulted his well-wishers.
The report also stated that the reason Laxman is planning to call it quits is because he is hurt by comments that he is blocking a youngster's spot by continuing to play in Tests.
"A final decision will be taken about the exact details of my plans by this evening," he said.
The decision may come as a surprise to Laxman fans, because it was only last week the national selectors had picked him for the home series against New Zealand. But according to the official, Laxman had confided that though he was feeling match fit, he was getting affected by the increasing pile of critical remarks against his presence in the side. "He wanted to make sure that no one should feel that youngsters were being deprived of a chance because of him. He said he wanted to go on a high and not hear or read people saying he should go," the official said.
The Hyderabadi cricketer initially was not even interested in playing the two Test series. But after speaking to his near and dear ones, Laxman is set to make his final appearance in a Test series.
37-year old Laxman, who made his Test debut against South Africa at Ahmedabad in November 1996, has played 134 Tests for India, scoring 8781 runs at an average of 45.97, including 17 centuries and 56 fifties.
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