Laxman takes potshot at critics
"It's unfair to put pressure on a single guy. There are different criteria for different guys," said the Indian batsman.
Venkat Sai Laxman had a rare outburst at his critics after stroking a classy unbeaten 125 against Zimbabwe on the second day of the first Test on Wednesday.
"There has been some negative vibes in the team and outside and I just wanted to prove myself," remarked Laxman after providing the team with a platform from where they could put the hosts in a corner.
Laxman was particularly scathing at the critics who questioned his presence in the one-day squad and even doubted if he was fit to retain his position in the Test side.
"It's really unfortunate. It's unfair to put pressure on a single guy. There are different criteria for different guys."
"But then that's been the way with me throughout my career. Right from the start of my career where I was branded as a Test player then given the chance in one-dayers, that's been the case with me throughout."
"However, I try to go out and do what I can control. If I take undue pressure then I wouldn't be able to concentrate on the game."
"If I feel that I have been unfairly treated, I would lose focus on the game. That's why I am trying to be as positive as possible."
"When people talk about statistics, they don't see that sometimes I have been stranded. Against Pakistan in Bangalore I was 79 not out."
"In Mohali also, I didn't have any partner when I got 59. If there were partners at the other end, I would have converted them into hundreds."
The strokeful batsman was candid enough to admit though that the last season hadn't been a great one for him.
"Last season wasn't great and I admit I wasn't very consistent. I wasn't as prolific as I would have liked to."
"But then every batsman has up and down. A season before I had a brilliant season in both Tests and one-dayers."
"This time I wanted to start on a good note. It's a big season with a lot of tours coming up."
The Hyderabadi batsman believed that he still had it in him to win games for India in one-day cricket.
"I still feel that I can do well in one-dayers and win matches for India. If the opportunity comes, I hope to do well," he said.
"But then it's totally up to the selection committee and the team management."
Laxman said he didn't agree with the suggestion that he was a liability in the field.
Laxman said he had cut out on his wristy strokes and wanted to concentrate hard since his last hundred had come early in 2004.
"I was focusing to play on the V. Also, the wicket was slow and the ball was not coming on to the bat. That's why I cut out the wristy strokes."
"I was worried if the ball stops and comes I might pop up in the air. I wanted to play close to the body and straight."
The genial batsman said that he was determined to get a hundred because statistics too form an important part in evaluating a batsman.
"As a batsman you always look to get hundreds. At the end of the day, people will be asking how many hundreds a guy has got."
"But personally, it gives me more joy when the team requires a role and I am able to fulfill it," he said.
