The last time there was a Test at Hyderabad, it was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding VVS Laxman's retirement, with the theory doing the rounds that skipper MS Dhoni had pushed him into doing so.
Clearing the air
On Friday, Laxman cleared the air, calling Dhoni a good friend. "I am happy that I have retired; I am a contented man," said Laxman after releasing the book, Talking Cricket, a compilation of interviews by Cricinfo.
A controversy had erupted last year when Dhoni was not among the invitees during a dinner function at Laxman's residence. "The one week after I announced the retirement was very tough. Suddenly, a dinner invite to a few friends in the team became national news. It was bound to happen, as people didn't anticipate that (retirement ahead of the home Test). It's part and parcel of the game.
'Always friends'
"I am friends with Dhoni. He's an amazing person and one of the best captains. He is the best person to lead India at the moment," said Laxman
The Hyderabadi also reiterated that the timing of his retirement was perfect. "I retired because I felt it was the right time," said Laxman. During the first Test against Australia at Chennai, Laxman had again created a controversy when he had criticised Dhoni's handling of Harbhajan Singh.
{{/usCountry}}The Hyderabadi also reiterated that the timing of his retirement was perfect. "I retired because I felt it was the right time," said Laxman. During the first Test against Australia at Chennai, Laxman had again created a controversy when he had criticised Dhoni's handling of Harbhajan Singh.
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