VVS Laxman could not get in touch with me to inform about his retirement: Dhoni

Hyderabad, Aug 22 (ANI): Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said on Wednesday that veteran batsman VVS Laxman could not get in touch with him and inform about his retirement plans ahead of the series against New Zealand.

Speaking on the eve of team's first test match here, Dhoni said, "You think it is a controversy, but people who know me have always complained that I am someone who is quite difficult to get hold of so that is one of the reasons why Laxman could not get hold of me. It is not something that is new. I am trying to improve but I am not really improved."

Commenting on starting the campaign without recently retired veteran cricketers Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, the Indian skipper said that they would surely be missed but it gives the young players an opportunity to cement their place in the test side.

"Well one of the ways to look at it you know is to look ahead in the future. By that what we mean is you know definitely these two were great players and we will definitely miss them on the field. As of now they won't be really available for us. So it is an opportunity for youngsters to step in and take up the responsibility of the longest format. We are hoping some of the youngsters will grab this opportunity and do well," Dhoni said.

He added that it was important for the team to adhere to the basics, as they would be playing the longer format of the game after a break of few months.

"We are expected to win this series so if you talk about starting well you know means winning the series. It means you know looking ahead like something in 15 days time. We are not looking to do that, for us it will be to start the test match on a positive note and by that we mean we have not played test cricket for the last 6-7 months. It is important to turn up on the field and look to do the basics right and the small things right," Dhoni said.

The Black Caps have never won a series in India and their problems have been compounded by the absence of Daniel Vettori, their most capped test cricketer.

The all-rounder has been ruled out by injury and New Zealand will miss the spinner's experience on the low and slow surfaces of India. (ANI)