The Very Very Special man of Indian cricket will always be remembered above all for his magical 281 against the Australians at the Eden Gardens, and deservedly so, for the knock not only led India to one of the most famous wins in Test history, and also scripted a renaissance in the nation’s cricketing fortunes, which culminated with India becoming the number one side in Test cricket, albeit briefly.
If cricket historians have to pick one knock that has had the most significant impact on Indian cricket, it has to be Laxman’s 281. Even so, over the years the artist with the silken touch has played a number of other crucial innings that have come in demanding conditions as well. At his post-retirement conference, Laxman stated at any knock that helped his team win or save the Test was right up there among his most memorable. Keeping that yardstick in mind, we look at some very very special knocks
73 at Mohali, vs Australia (2010)
Chasing a modest 216, the Indian innings was in the doldrums at 124 for 8. To make matters worse, VVS Laxman was battling back spasms, as a result of which he had batted at number 10 in India’s first innings. Still, if anyone could pull off a miracle for India, especially against Australia, it could have been only Laxman. Unlike Eden Gardens though, here he had only tail-enders for company. Laxman’s presence, however, was enough for Ishant Sharma to hold up one end, and take the score up to 205. The tension rose once again, after Sharma was dismissed, but Laxman, as he had been throughout the innings, remained calm despite his aching back. The only time he got agitated was during the closing moments of the game, when there was a misunderstanding between him and Ojha. The fighting innings only reasserted Laxman’s authority over the Aussies.
107 at Lahore, Pakistan (2004)
For those who believe Laxman couldn’t play one-day cricket, please check highlights of this game. It was a crunch match of a great ODI series, which was tied at 2-2. It goes without saying that the pressure was paramount. In such a situation, Laxman walked in and graced his way to a century, as India batted first. It was just one of those days when everything Laxman timed headed to the fence with ease. There were 11 boundaries in all in the innings, and critics couldn’t even fault his strike rate, which was better than a run-a-ball.
124 vs New Zealand, Napier (2009)
If Laxman could win you Tests, he could save them as well. In this particular match, India were following on, having been bowled out for 305 in response to Kiwis’ mammoth 619. In one of the best exhibitions of saving a game, India batted out 180 overs. Gautam Gambhir was the star of the show with his 137, but Laxman it was who remained unbeaten on 124, and guided India from any further danger.
79 vs Australia, Perth (2008)
This match was played following the controversial Sydney Test, and there was an eerie calm surrounding the game. Laxman made a crucial half-century in the second innings, which was instrumental in India setting Australia a target of over 400. Had Laxman not stood firm, the match could have gone either way, since no other batsman made a 50 in that innings.
69 vs Australia, Wankhede (2004)
On a minefield of a pitch, Laxman ended up as the top-scorer of the match from either side. Wickets kept tumbling session after session, with Australia being bowled out for 93 chasing 107, midway through day three. Again, Laxman stood between Australia and victory.
--By A Cricket Analyst
