Fit again after recovering from a back injury, senior batsman VVS Laxman said he was looking forward to playing against Sri Lanka.

"I am fit and back in the groove," Laxman, skipper of the Hyderabad Ranji team, which takes on hosts Punjab in their second match at PCA stadium on Tuesday, told reporters.

Laxman said the series against the islanders will be challenging.

The stylish right-hander had an extensive batting session at the nets in the afternoon.

Both Punjab and Hyderabad drew their opening Ranji tie, against Mumbai and Himachal Pradesh respectively, earning a point each.

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"Punjab is a formidable side. We will need to play well," said Laxman.

The Hyderabad skipper also said left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha, whose five-wicket haul in the previous match nixed Himachal's victory hopes, will not be playing the match.

Ojha is featuring in a tie for the Board President's XI against Sri Lanka.