Hyderabad batsman V V S Laxman 'makes a silent exit', is what that comes to my mind, when the master batsman was to announce retirement. Lakshman who had played in 134 test matches has scored nearly 17 centuries and amassed 8,781 runs, which also had 56 half centuries.  The batting prowess also played some splendid knocks in his 86 ODIs. He also scored six centuries and 10 half centuries in his total score of 2,338 runs. The sad departure of this maestro does hurt Indian fans in general. But the worse part was he was always in the shadows of Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar. Ofcoures not that the latter had suppressed him, but the latter's records seem to pile up over our Lakshman. Eventually he was lost amidst the records. True Lakshman won acclaims more from global players and media than our own, pathetic.

As per sources the master batsman is to announce his retirement plans from international cricket to day at the Uppal Stadium in Hyderabad at 4 pm, today. The Hyderabad Cricket Association plans to felicitate the hero, who is in the team India squad that is to play its first test next Thursday in Hyderabad at the same stadium. However inspite heavy hearts over his sad ending of a bright career, there is much speculations rife, as to his retirement. Will he retire after the first test with New Zealand or after the two test series? Probably for this we have to wait till 4pm today.

Lakshman, was a good friend of the wall of Indian Cricket, Rahul Dravid. And his retirement from international cricket came as a surprise to the former. He had been contemplating of his plans too, since then, say sources. Anyways, it is a sad ending for the gentleman of the gentlemen sport. Wishesh expresses 'our salutations to the master batsman, who did proud to the nation of billions'. Inspite of on and off failures, he was dreaded by global players for his versatility with the willow. He is a text book for youngsters and shall remain close in our hearts forever. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)