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source: hindu

There is no rancour in V.V.S. Laxman's voice even when he admits to feeling "hurt and disappointed" at being dropped when India played five bowlers in Mohali and in Mumbai against England.

The current tour of the West Indies is a crucial phase in Laxman's career. Almost as crucial as he is to India's chances of winning its first series here in 35 years. Back at No. 3, the wristy willow artist — who, along with Rahul Dravid, has the most experience in Caribbean conditions — will look to re-establish his position in India's batting totem pole.

Laxman spoke to The Hindu on Wednesday.

Excerpts:

Are you happy with the way you played in the first Test?

I'm happy in the sense that I'm in good form, timing the ball well and getting into good positions. But, disappointed that I was not able to convert starts in both innings to get big scores. You learn from mistakes and I'm looking to do well in the second Test. I'm happy I am playing freely, playing my natural game. That's a good sign. I'm looking to spend as much time at the wicket as possible.

How do you analyse your dismissals in Antigua? Was the one in the second innings a concentration lapse?

In the first innings, I tried to hit the ball too hard. I thought the ball was definitely there to be driven. Probably, I went too hard at it. In the second innings, I misjudged the line. It wasn't a lapse in concentration. It's a shot I play and I felt it could be played against the bowler, Dave Mohammed. Just that I misread the line and it forced me into an error.

How much does it help psychologically to bat at three again?

It feels great because that's the position I have been batting in first class cricket and in some Test matches. I've always done well batting at three. It's where I'm most comfortable in. Having said that, every place the team wants you to play in, you have to get used to. Every place is a different challenge. I have batted at number five and six much more than three in Tests.

How difficult was it to accept that when India played five batsmen, you weren't one of them?

It was very difficult. I was really hurt and disappointed, because you want to always play and perform whenever you are actively playing. And I thought I had a reasonably consistent run right from the start of the season, from the Zimbabwe series, and suddenly you find yourself not playing the two Test matches. So, it's definitely disappointing to miss out. But, it's not something in your control. It makes me more determined. When I went back to Hyderabad after that, I really worked hard on my overall game. I'm just looking forward, but that was really hurting.

Your performances seem to get forgotten — whether in Faisalabad, or against Sri Lanka in Ahmedabad. And you are not someone who advertises his achievements. Does it make it harder for you to perform every match to stay in memory?

It's definitely tough you know. But then, you have to think about the positive aspects of your career and there's no point in thinking about what's happened. But, that's easier said than done. I try to be as positive and optimistic as possible. Whenever given that opportunity, I have to go out and perform. The ultimate thing is you have to enjoy the game, because if you are hurt and all that, you may lose that enjoyment and it's not really good for your game.

Is it tough recovering from a match like the first Test?

It will definitely take some time for it to really sink in because we were desperately close to winning. I have never experienced such a feeling before. Unfortunately, we were not able to finish it off; saying that, the bowlers did an excellent job because the wicket was still very good for batting. They put a lot of pressure and bowled in the right areas. But if we could have finished it off, it would have been great because we have never won a Test match in Antigua and it would have put added pressure on the West Indies. Every ball, you are just hoping that you get the catch and win the game.

Being the experienced head, what inputs do you give those that haven't played here before?

Even though you have not played the same bowlers before, you know the overall psyche of the West Indian team. You share those kind of experiences — how to adapt and tackle the bowling.

[dextrous]

Getting a bit tired of his interviews. Love him as a player but my god, every interview he talks as if the whole world is out to get him. Sob sob story. Give it a break, VVS, and let your bat do the talking.

[Cover Point]

Getting a bit tired of his interviews. Love him as a player but my god, every interview he talks as if the whole world is out to get him. Sob sob story. Give it a break, VVS, and let your bat do the talking.

Yeah learn from the SG fans on how to let it go!

[dextrous]

Getting a bit tired of his interviews. Love him as a player but my god, every interview he talks as if the whole world is out to get him. Sob sob story. Give it a break, VVS, and let your bat do the talking.

Yeah learn from the SG fans on how to let it go!

Yeah, Cover Point, Ganguly goes around giving interviews every day to the D-Express.

[Cover Point]

Getting a bit tired of his interviews. Love him as a player but my god, every interview he talks as if the whole world is out to get him. Sob sob story. Give it a break, VVS, and let your bat do the talking.

Yeah learn from the SG fans on how to let it go!

Yeah, Cover Point, Ganguly goes around giving interviews every day to the D-Express.

I did not know SG fans = SG?

[dhruvdeepak]

Getting a bit tired of his interviews. Love him as a player but my god, every interview he talks as if the whole world is out to get him. Sob sob story. Give it a break, VVS, and let your bat do the talking.

i agree with this. the fella is a bit over the top with the interviews and his philosophies and his training. how about making some runs and showing the class player you are.