Indian cricketer VVS Laxman along with his wife Sailaja (L) and children Sarvajith (bottom, R) and Achinthya pose for pictures at the Rajiv Gandhi cricket stadium in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad August 18, 2012. Batsman Laxman announced his retirement from international cricket on Saturday, despite his selection for the two-test series against New Zealand. The 37-year-old said he would step down with "immediate effect" during a news conference in his home city of Hyderabad, where India hosts the Kiwis in the opening test on Thursday. REUTERS/Krishnendu Halder (INDIA - Tags: SPORT CRICKET)