Reuters
 
Mumbai, Nov 1: VVS Laxman fears his dreams of playing in the 2007 World Cup are as good as over after being omitted for next month's one-day series and Twenty-20 international in South Africa.

One of India's Test mainstays, the wristy batsman has nurtured hopes of playing in the Caribbean tournament since he was surprisingly dropped for the previous World Cup.

Laxman was overlooked on Monday for the one-dayers in South Africa despite India's poor recent batting performances in limited-overs cricket.

"I was hoping to get a call as I thought I stood a good chance considering the team needed an experienced batsman at number three," he told Reuters on Tuesday.

"I am very keen to play in the World Cup. That's a dream," said Laxman, who turns 32 on Wednesday.

India have been experimenting with seam bowler Irfan Pathan at number three, a position where Laxman has scored six ODI centuries.

Hosts India have failed to reach the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy.

The selection committee turned to experience to bolster the bowling with an eye on the World Cup when they picked leg-spinner Anil Kumble and left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan.

Laxman's last one-day appearance came in a tri-series in Sri Lanka in August 2005 and he realises his World Cup chances are swiftly diminishing.

"I can only hope and stay optimistic to be mentally ready if the opportunity does arise," he said.

For now, Laxman will focus on the three Tests that follow the one-dayers in South Africa.