"It was the most depressing moment of my career," Laxman admitted when asked about being omitted for the World Cup in southern Africa. "I had been working so hard for the World Cup. After the West Indies series last year, where I was the highest run-getter [312 runs at an average of 55], to be dropped was a rude shock. The disappointment will always be there. It took me some time to digest the news.
"But you can't keep brooding about the past. The future is important and I have to look at it."
The Challenger series saw Laxman dust the cobwebs off his bat and regain his fluency.
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"I don't think there has been a change of style," Laxman said. "I just play according to the situation. In Kolkata I had to stay at the wicket since we had lost four early wickets. It was important that I play a supporting role to Sachin Tendulkar, and I did. I have not curbed my batting style. I still go for my shots if I want to."
Laxman believes that if India has to win the twin series against New Zealand and Australia, the batsmen must ensure that huge totals are posted. "We must play to our potential," he said.
Evaluating the New Zealanders, he said, "The Kiwis are a good side and you cannot single anyone out. [Nathan] Astle is the danger man. They have got a mixture of young and experienced players, which constitutes a very competitive side.
"Their strength is that they gel very well. They are also a very good fielding side, led by a very intelligent captain, Stephen Fleming."
Laxman has often been criticised for his slack fielding, which is believed to have been instrumental in his exclusion from the World Cup squad. But he does not subscribe to this assessment. "I am a safe fielder," he said. "I might not be the best, but I am not so bad."
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