VVS Laxman

Hyderabad: Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman has performed consistently for India since making his Test debut in November 1996. True to form, he was among India’s top-three batsmen in their last Test series, in New Zealand.

Apart from a brief spell in the late Nineties, his career graph has been pretty stable. The 35-year-old spoke to The Telegraph at the Gymkhana ground (he pulled out of the Hyderabad-Himachal Ranji match because of a stiff back) on Thursday morning.

The following are excerpts

Nearly 13 years of international cricket

The journey has been excellent and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it… Most importantly, I got the chance to play for India for so many years. It’s always been my dream to play for the country and I’m happy that I’ve achieved it to the fullest.

The secret of performing consistently

The motivation has always been there to do well for the country. Playing match-winning and match-saving innings gives me a lot of satisfaction. More importantly, to consistently perform for the country… For me, the country comes first. That always keeps me motivated.

Producing match-saving and match-winning knocks with such regularity

I think the best comes out of me when the team needs my services badly… I like excelling under such circumstances. I’ve always relished and enjoyed such situations and that gives me extra motivation and satisfaction.

The forthcoming series versus Sri Lanka

With both aiming to be the No.1 nation in world cricket, it’s going to be very competitive. If we can beat them convincingly in this series, our chances will improve a lot. Both teams have the same potential with a very good bowling attack. They are also used to the conditions in the subcontinent, which means no one will have an edge. It’s going to be tough…

The Test specialist tag

It’s been there for close to three years now, during which I didn’t get an opportunity to play one-day cricket for the country. I’m totally focusing on Tests. However, it’s sometimes frustrating when you don’t get to play too many matches. But that is the way the calendar is planned. But I’m happy that I’m playing active cricket in the sense that I played for Lancashire, in the Champions League T20 and now the Ranji Trophy. All this has helped me stay fit.

Twenty20…

It’s a great concept. T20 is full of entertainment and I enjoy playing and watching this form. I’m sure this will get better and better in the future. It will not only draw people who understand the game but also who don’t because it’s a very good family package. You can come and spend a quality three to four hours at the ground. Not just entertaining cricket, you are also part of other amusements during the match and the break.

If Tests are under threat from T20s and ODIs

I don’t think Tests will be threatened but one-dayers are sure to feel the heat. At the same time, I know the ICC is taking steps to make the one-dayers more interesting. In the current India-Australia series, most matches so far have gone down to the wire.

Whether he has been denied a fair run in the one-dayers

I’m quite happy with what I’ve achieved in one-dayers (2,338 runs in 86 matches), and I don’t want to get into whether I should have been given more chances… Being a permanent member of the Test side is fine with me.

If there’s too much cricket

Personally, for me, not much… (laughs) But for those who are involved in all forms, it’s quite a hectic schedule. You’ve to work hard on your fitness and recover well so that you are fresh for the matches. For a professional, it’s important that you’re ready for the responsibility. The fact that you are representing your country will help you get over the tiredness and ensure you’re fit, physically and mentally.

The spate of injuries in the Australian side

Injuries are part and parcel of any sport, not just cricket. It’s a physical activity and it’s bound to affect your body. It’s wrong to blame it on just too much cricket…

Regrets…

The only regret is missing the 2003 World Cup. In fact, I haven’t played any World Cup. But I’m happy with what I’ve got. There’s always scope for improvement and achieving more, and I’m striving to do that.

Keenness to improve

If you don’t seek to improve and set new goals, you’ll stagnate. That’s why I always strive for improvement.

The 281 against Australia at the Eden, in 2001

One of my best innings… definitely the best series I’ve been part of. It was played with such intensity and changed the mindset of the entire team. It gave us the confidence that we can bounce back and win from any situation.

Finally, on performing well against Australia

Getting runs consistently against the top team is a great feeling. But playing match-winning knocks under pressure has given me the most satisfaction. Not just Australia, I have played match-winning knocks against Pakistan, the West Indies and New Zealand too.