Middle-order batsman V V S Laxman on Monday said he was hopeful of finding a place in the Indian team for the cricket World Cup to be held next year.

"I am hoping to get a chance to play the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies," said Laxman, who has missed the event in 2003 in South Africa.

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Laxman, who has already been selected for the Indian team for the upcoming tour of the West Indies, where India will play four Tests and five One Day Internationals, told reporters that he was looking forward to come up with a consistent performance there.

Declaring open the 40-day long training camp for under-15 players at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore, he advised the upcoming talents not to worry about their selection to first-class cricket.

"Selection is not a criterion. You should not be thinking on that. Aim to become a better player. The result will take care of itself".

The stylish Hyderabadi player encouraged budding cricketers to concentrate on fitness, including mental fitness, to be a successful player.

"Always look for balance in both bowling and batting," he told 25 boys, who would attend a camp at the Academy.

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Laxman reminded youngsters that they would have lot of opportunities as several tournaments for the under-15, under-17 and under-19 level were played in the country. The players will have a chance to impress selectors while playing in the state-level tournaments.

Describing the Academy as a prestigious institute which grooms a lot of youngsters, Laxman told them that the new batting sensation Yuvraj Singh, Mohammed Kaif and Suresh Raina were the products of NCA.

NCA Chairman Sunil Gavaskar said this was an opportunity for youngsters, as they not only learnt from various coaches, but also from among themselves.

The legendary batsman said NCA had tried to raise the standard of the game. He said players should also raise their level of game if they wanted to play in first-class cricket.