VVS Laxman made his debut for his Ranji Trophy team, Hyderabad. His talent was there for everyone to see even at the tender age. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that he was going to represent India at the highest level. But what truly made VVS Laxman an artist was his grit, determination and above all, his impeccable timing that stayed with him throughout his illustrious career. He was a joy to watch when in full flow. Even his opponents used to admire and even applaud his magical stroke play.
The rise of VVS Laxman into the pantheon of batting greatness is synonymous with the rise of invincible Australia from mid 1990's till 2007. They were truly on the top of their game. Australia had a potent bowling attack comprising Glenn Mcgrath, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie and Brett Lee at their disposal. This was the same attack who bundled up opponents inside 4 days of test cricket. For they had one of the game's greatest minds as their captain in Steven Waugh at helm.
When batsmen around the world barring a select few including Sachin R. Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Brian Lara, Jacques Kallis and of course, VVS Laxman. He was an integral part of India's famed batting quartet of Sachin R. Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly. VVS Laxman just like his batting compatriots, Rahul Dravid and Sachin R. Tendulkar, had a penchant of scoring against rampaging Australians.
VVS displayed his elegant artistry against mighty Australians playing a career defining knock of 167 on the lively Sydney pitch. He gave an impression of hardly hitting the ball. But his timing was impeccable and placement was divine. By now the entire cricketing world had taken note of this truly special player. His moment of reckoning came in that legendary test match of 2001 at Kolkata that is now a part of cricketing folklore. VVS Laxman wove the magic with his epic 281 in the company of ever reliable Rahul Dravid who made 150 odd runs. Their partnership is one of the best counter attacking partnership played against ruthless Australians on the verge of conquering their final frontier - India.
India was made to follow on in the first innings and then putting up a mammoth score. Clearly the writing was truly against the wall. In the second innings, India was in a precarious position against ever accurate Glenn Mcgrath and fiesty Brett Lee. At one end was Rahul Dravid and then walked in VVS Laxman. Both of them played out of their skins to forge one of the best ever counter attacking partnership in the glorious history of gentleman's game. 281 was epic and magical. He managed to mesmerize the hard nosed Australians. And it definitely takes some doing. Right throughout his career, VVS Laxman played some of his finest knocks against them.
Few days back, he announced his retirement from cricket. It was shocking. To me, it seemed hastened and premature. I suspect the current Indian captain MS Dhoni was behind it. VVS Laxman never enjoyed his support. It's time to make the skipper understand that batting legends had earned their places in Indian team. You are a very good captain because you had and have extra ordinary players like Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar in the team. As they say, "You are as good as your team." Even your time will come Mr. Dhoni. And I am sure that you won't like it.
But coming back to VVS Laxman, you were an artist of highest calibre. Every stroke you played was like Beethoven's symphony playing out on the cricket field. A team player and a special player like you comes once in a lifetime. India is grateful to you for entertaining every Indian cricket fan for more than decade and half. May you have an equally greater run in life post retirement!
