The amicable VVS Laxman, who has always stayed away from controversies, dropped a bombshell by quitting in a huff even though he had been selected for the series against the Kiwis.
Though he took great pains to downplay any 'foul play' in his decision, it became more than obvious that the wristy middle-order batsman was hurt deeply enough to continue being a part of the Indian dressing room to wait even for a proper farewell.
Laxman, though, did give a hint that all was not well between him and skipper MS Dhoni when he remarked on the day of his retirement that "it was difficult to get to Dhoni".
It is believed that Dhoni wanted Laxman to be eased out of the team before the England and Australia series later in the year.
"Laxman has always been a team man but the manner in which the issue was approached hurt him immensely.
He was told that the two-Test series against New Zealand would be his last, but he was keen on playing against England and Australia. It hurt him really hard.
He believed that he had done enough for the country to be able to decide when to quit," a source close to the player had remarked.
Just before the opening Test in Hyderabad, Laxman choose not to invite Dhoni for a dinner at his new residence.
He had invited Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Zahir Khan and Gautam Gambhir for the outing and also drove them to his home and dropped them back at the team hotel late in the night.
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