Laxman has no issues being ignored as India captain

New Delhi:

In 12 years of international cricket VVS Laxman has been in the line of fire more often than not but the stylish batsman says he is happy with whatever he has contributed to the country and had no issues that he was never considered as captain.

Laxman dismissed suggestions of lack of acknowledgement for his achievements and said had it been the case he would not have played 100 Tests, a feat only seven great players had managed before him.

"If I had not got that kind of acknowledgement I wouldn't have played 100 Test matches. The biggest acknowledgement for me is representing the team for 100 Test matches and being part of Indian cricket for the last 12 years. What is important is what I have contributed to Indian cricket," the 34-year-old Laxman said.

"I'm really blessed (to have played 100 matches). Everyone dreams of playing for India, and me playing 100 matches for India was definitely one of the proud moments in my life," he added.

Asked about any ill-feeling that he was never considered for captaincy, the Hyderabadi batsman said, "I was close once when I was the vice-captain on the tour of South Africa. I have played with cricketers who have been senior to me and who have done well, I never thought on those lines at all. It is something which is given to you and it is something which is beyond my control.

"I have captained India A and also in Ranji and Duleep Trophies, everything except the Indian team. I think I have done well whenever I have got the chance and when the chance comes I will be keen," he told a news channel.

"I think I should be contributing more and more and win more matches for the country. The recognition for me is playing so many Tests, and it's satisfying."

Two disappointments, however, still rankless Laxman - not playing too many One-dayers for the country and missing out the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

"I regret because I thought I could have played more (ODIs). I felt I could have contributed to ODIs. I was dropped in 2004 when I thought I was doing reasonably well in both forms of the game. I had a very successful series in Australia and Pakistan and then I was dropped."

Laxman said his captains Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid have always been supportive of his desire to play One-dayers.

"They supported me. I remember Sachin asking me to stay back in Australia for the ODIs. Sourav has done that, Rahul has done that. So I have no complain against them. What happens in a selection committee meeting is something I don't want to know. It is a confidential meeting," said Laxman who last played in an ODI in December 2006.

The man who has bailed the team out from difficult situations more than once was livid when asked the reason he was dropped from the 2003 World Cup squad.

"In 1999, I came very close and I was keen that I should play the 2003 World Cup. In fact, since my comeback to the team as as a middle-order batsman it was one of my aims. And it was a rude shock at that time because I was performing really well and suddenly I was not in the team. I never understood the reason.

"I was disappointed. I would have understood if I was not doing well but I was contributing and performing well and then I was not picked for the World Cup, something I always dreamt of. I have played 83 One-dayers, but I have never participated in the World Cup," rued Laxman.