Kolkata: Former India cricketer V.V.S. Laxman who has played many a memorable innings at the city`s hallowed Eden Gardens Thursday attributed his success to goddess Kali at the Kalighat temple.
"Whenever I come to Kolkata I make it a point to visit the Kalighat temple. The goddess has always blessed me and my success in the city has been certainly because of her blessings," said the stylish batsman.
Laxman, who was in the city to inaugurate a Durga Puja, described Kolkata as his second home.
"Kolkata is my second home. I may have been born in Hyderabad but the Eden Gardens has given life to my professional career. It always has been special for me. The Eden and the city have always been special for me because of the enthusiastic fans," said Laxman, who retired from international cricket earlier this year.
The stylish Hyderabadi amassed over 1,000 runs at the ground and his epic Test innings of 281 in 2001 against Australia still lingers in the memories of fans.
Laxman also expressed his fondness for the Bengali people, their language and of course Bengali sweets.
"I have always got love and adulations from Bengalis not only within the country but outside as well. And contrary to popular belief, I understand a fair bit of Bengali. I used to enjoy listening when Sourav (Ganguly) used to talk to Bengali journalists," he said.
Describing former India captain Ganguly as the `Tiger of Bengal`, Laxman said he continues to share a cordial relationship with the southpaw.
PTI
First Published: Thursday, October 18, 2012, 21:15