Laxman disappointed at being left out of series against WI

Hyderabad, Feb 2 (UNI) Expressing his disappointment at being left out of the one-day series against the West Indies, elegant Hyderabadi batsman VVS Laxman today said his excellent performance in the recently-concluded test series against South Africa had boosted his confidence.

Talking to UNI here, he said, ''Well the way I batted in South Africa did a good deal to my confidence. It was of course disappointing to lose the series in the end, which we could have won. But my confidence level is pretty high now and hope it will help me in all my future adventures.'' When asked whether he was disappointed after he was not included in Team India to play against the West Indies, against whom he had done well four months ago, he replied, ''I am disappointed a bit. I thought I would get a chance to play against the Caribbeans, as I have always done well against them.

But I leave everything to the selectors. It is up to them to decide anything about me.'' But he still has not lost hope. ''Playing World Cup has been my dream. I have not still relinquished my hopes. I did not expect to play against South Africa in the last one dayer and I am still confident that I may be picked for the World Cup That surprise is always there. From my side there is nothing I need to prove.'' Laxman feels that the coming Subbaiah Pillai One- day tournament for the South Zone will be important for him.

''Certainly, domestic matches help you gain confidence and form.

I will try to perform to the expectations of all and get a World Cup berth.'' However, Laxman's childhood coach John Manoj criticised the national selectors for using different yardsticks for different players and said all the probables should get an equal chance in the ensuing four ODI against Sri Lanka.

Speaking to UNI, John said, ''When 30 probables had been selected for the World Cup, all of them should be given a fair chance in match practice to prove their fitness.'' ''Selectors were using different yardsticks for Sourav Ganguly, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Laxman, who are of equal calibre. Now the time has come that they should put an end to their prejudices,'' he said.

''Laxman is one player, who can wage long battles and is a useful batsman on foreign pitches and bouncy tracks, where others have consistently failed. I appeal to the selectors to give him a fair chance,'' he added.

UNI