V.V.S Laxman - The man who followed the 'team before self' mantra
Style, elegance, finesse, flair, and those beautiful wristy shots like no one else. However clichéd it may sound, Laxman‘s batting was poetry in motion.
His statistics are impressive, but not brilliant. That’s why, it’s the cricket connoisseurs and ardent cricket lovers who understand his stature rather than recent converts. His greatness can only be understood by watching him bat.
He wasn’t idolised by the masses or glorified by the media, but the humble man did secure a loyal fan base over the years, who understood his true worth.
On numerous occasions, he saved the team’s sinking ship, by hitting some memorable 4th innings knocks, and yet when others walked away with the credit, he never complained.
For 16 years, he continued to do his job, which he did with utmost passion, sincerity, and expertise.
Throughout his career, he gave us umpteen reasons to smile, and most of them against the most feared team of modern times- Australia. If Laxman was Very Very Special for us, he was Very Very Scary for the Aussies.
He is behind only Sachin Tendulkar when it comes to the highest runs against Australia in Tests.
Test Record v/s Aus
|
Matches |
Runs |
Highest Score |
100s |
50s |
Average |
Catches |
|
29 |
2434 |
281 |
6 |
12 |
49.67 |
36 |
Laxman’s passionate affair with the Eden Gardens
His 281 run knock against Australia at Eden, his favourite cricket ground, in 2001, has been forever etched in our memories, becoming an Indian cricket folklore to be passed down generations. That solitary knock had transformed his career, as well as India’s image in Test cricket. India were headed for a 2-0 series defeat, after being bundled out for 171 in the first innings, as Australia invited India for a follow-on. Laxman and Dravid’s gritty 376 partnership scripted a historic win for India.
March 11, 2001 proved to be a watershed event in the history of Indian Test Cricket.
Laxman’s record at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
| Tests | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s |
| 10 | 1217 | 110.63 | 5 | 3 |
Reclusive, low profile, humble: The other side of VVS
However, his off-field persona impressed his fans even more than it intrigued them. He chose to always maintain a low profile-something that is extremely rare for Indian cricket stars. While a few his teammates made shooting for ads their priority, the Hyderabadi batsman chose to refrain from indulging in the commercial aspects of the game. If he wanted, he could have cashed on the 281 run innings, which was the highest individual score in Tests by an Indian at that time.
He was in brilliant form, perhaps the purple patch of his career when he was left out for the World Cup 2003. But he still maintained a dignified silence and concentrated on his game.
Laxman’s strongest asset was to stand up and deliver in times of crisis and against the best of opponents. He averaged above 40 in both Australia and South Africa.
It is often pointed out that the rand-handed batsman wasn’t able to score many centuries during a fairly long career, but people often forget that he played most of his matches at no. 5 or no.6, and he has an excellent average in those positions - almost 50.
His simplicity and selflessness always stood out, even in the IPL. In the first edition, when most of his contemporaries were designated as “icon players” with high base prices, he voluntarily let go of the opportunity so that his franchisee Deccan Chargers could save money - the same franchisee that sacked him off captaincy in the 2nd edition, and kept him out of the playing XI for most games. Yet, he didn’t protest.
Not a happy ending afterall
When he was left unsold for IPL 5, he accepted his seclusion with resignation- without a single statement expressing his disappointment.
He chose not to react when respected former cricketers like Gavaskar and Shastri, went on record saying that the seniors should retire.
| Tests | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Catches |
| 134 | 8781 | 45.97 | 17 | 56 | 135 |
He had the chance of a fairytale farewell when his name was announced for the first Test against New Zealand at his home ground Hyderabad, but announced his retirement following the selection. He could have played that one Test, got a rousing applause, be carried on his teammate’s shoulders, or wait till he scored big to retire on a high- but for VVS Laxman, it was always team before himself.
His positive aura, billion watt smile and elastic wrists maybe hard to replace, but it is a treat to watch him in the studio or in the commentary box, as he continues to be associated with the game, coaching the Sunrisers in the IPL.