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Happy to be giving back something to the game: VVS Laxman
Retired Indian Test batsman VVS Laxman says mentoring IPL team Sunrisers Hyderabad and doing commentary is his way of giving something back to the game of cricket which gave him "everything".
"I am experiencing various things. It is great to be contributing back to the game. Because, cricket gave me everything. With the wealth of experience I have got, I want to share with the concerned people, Laxman said.
"Through mentoring, it is sharing my experience with the players. Through commentary, it is sharing with the viewers. It is a great way of giving back something to the game," he said.
'Moral responsibility to share my experiences with youngsters'
Sunrisers has some established names such as Krishnamachari Srikkanth as co-mentor, Tom Moody as Chief Coach, Waqar Younis as bowling coach in its support staff.
"I think it is a great opportunity for me to give back something to the game and also to a team I was passionate about, especially to the cricket crazy crowd of Hyderabad," Laxman said.
"I was not a part of the franchise in the last two years but it is great to be coming back. There was uncertainty in November and December when we were not sure whether IPL would actually be in Hyderabad."
"I am looking forward to work with Srikkanth who is the co-mentor. We are lucky to have some amazing people like Tom Moody and Waqar Younis. I think it is a great opportunity for me to share my thoughts and help in the development of some of the youngsters," he added.
Laxman hoped that his experience would help improve the Sunrisers' youngsters.
"Not only now, even when I was playing, I thought it is my moral responsibility to share my experiences with youngsters by way of discussion rather than forcing them to follow."
"We face lot of situations and how you address is important. I think it will be great if I can give my suggestions and probably help the youngsters face the situations," he said.
'The Sunrisers team is very balanced'
Laxman felt that the Sunrisers team is very balanced with the right mix of experience and youth that can make the side surge ahead.
"I think we are lucky to have a balanced side. We have got a group of players who are very experienced and some who are young and talented. Skill wise we have got a team which can adapt to any condition. The composition of the team is very balanced."
"It is just that we should play to our potential. That is important. Twenty20 is all about momentum. If we can get good momentum at the early stages of the tournament, that will be really helpful," he said.