'An opportunity to reflect on a tough season'

VVS Laxman hasn't played competitive cricket since January, when India returned from Australia, having been beaten 0-4 in the Tests. That result came after a whitewash in England as well. Laxman has spent the last five months with his family, while training for a busy home season. "It was an unplanned break. I thought I would play in the IPL but I was not picked up in the auction. But it was a great chance for me to spend some time with my family. For a long time now, I have never spent five months at a stretch with them," Laxman told Wisden India. "Also, it gave me an opportunity to reflect on a tough season gone by. Obviously, England was disappointing and Australia was more so. To get over the disappointment, it was very important that time was the best healer. Luckily for me, the break also gave me the chance to work a lot on my fitness."