Speculation on VVS Laxman's future may be running rife, with even BCCI officials saying his illustrious career is nearing its end, however, India captain MS Dhoni said he is not aware of the classy batsman being asked by board officials to retire before he is given the boot. He did say that India will have to find a way to phase out the senior players, with many important decisions imminent after the Test series in Down Under.
“As of now there is nothing like that that I know of officially," Dhoni said when asked about Laxman's future and the stories quoting top BCCI officials saying the Hyderabad batsman's time is up.
When asked if he would try to talk Laxman out of retirement if he does call it a day, Dhoni said, “I won't like to answer something where there is a big if and big but. I don't know where this came from, but unless Laxman comes and tells me I don't know whether it's happening or not happening. I really don't have to think about it (now).”He added that sometime in the future the board will have to think of when to phase out the senior players in the squad. "Not really right now," he said. "May be at the end of the series will be a right time. We also have to see what the senior’s thoughts are. I think there is a bit more emphasis right now about getting rid of the seniors but it will be a very careful decision. Because of what they have done for the country, and the amount of experience they can share with the youngsters."
“Very important to have the right mixture at the right time,” he said. "You can't have all the seniors missing out all of a sudden, and all the juniors coming in. We will have to thoughtfully decide the best option. Give a bit of exposure to youngsters coming (in), at the same time have the fair mix of experienced guys and youngsters.
Asked how he would like to see the transition happen. “I have not sat and thought over it,” he said. “It’s something everybody needs to be a part of. The players, and the BCCI also. It will be a process rather than just an event. We will be carefully deciding as to what needs to be done in the best interest of the country.”
{{/usCountry}}Asked how he would like to see the transition happen. “I have not sat and thought over it,” he said. “It’s something everybody needs to be a part of. The players, and the BCCI also. It will be a process rather than just an event. We will be carefully deciding as to what needs to be done in the best interest of the country.”
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