VVS Laxman reflects on his iconic 281 as Eden Gardens epic turns 25
Marking 25 years of his legendary 281 at Eden Gardens, VVS Laxman recalls the historic comeback Test against Australia in 2001, highlighting the crucial partnership with Rahul Dravid and the belief that helped India script one of cricket’s greatest victories.
Hyderabad: Exactly 25 years ago, Hyderabadi VVS Laxman scripted an epic knock (281, 631 minutes, 452b, 44×4) which has been rated as one of the most extraordinary innings ever in the history of cricket itself.
It was against Australia in the Test match at Eden Gardens when the genius of Laxman bloomed to the full to the delight of millions of Indians and to the dismay of the opponents. Not surprisingly, the Aussies, led by Steve Waugh, were made to feel ‘Down and Under’ after a stunning fightback led by Laxman..
Indian cricket has witnessed many highs later on including winning the T-20 World Cups twice and the ODI World Cup once besides attaining the World No.1. ranking in Test cricket. But, every time the discussion veers around the high-points in the last 25 years of cricketing history, the first incredible feat which comes to mind is Laxman’s history-defying innings.
Many have scored double centuries and even triple centuries later on in Test cricket. But the simple fact that Laxman’s out of the world knock stands apart from the rest is a true reflection of the brilliance of the wristy Hyderabadi whose approach not only brushed the ignominy of an innings defeat but on the contrary saw the then formidable Aussies end up losers.
The defining phase has been the fourth day when Laxman and Dravid (180, 445min, 353b, 20×4) put on 376 for the fifth wicket batting the entire day without losing a wicket!
“When I look back, it feels great to be part of something that was truly special,” Laxman said in a chat with ‘Telangana Today’ on Thursday.
“With India 274 runs behind after being asked to follow-on against a team which by then had 16 consecutive Test wins, it was real pressure for sure. Yes, bouncing back from such a situation and winning the Test taught us many lessons in life too which we are following even now,” he explained.
“The match situation was quite grim when Rahul came in at No.6. He was incredibly calm and professional. He understood exactly what the team needed and focused on the job at hand. Our conversations were mostly about staying patient, being proactive when the opportunity came and breaking the day into small passages. The key was to keep supporting each other and keep the scoreboard moving,” Laxman recalled..
“Definitely, that 281 should rank high up there. Not just for the runs scored or the strokes played. Many still talk about that, maybe, for the kind of inspiration that Test has provided. It might have taught many never to give up and that one can always bounce back from any situation,” a very sober Laxman said.
“Many of us go through challenges. But, what is important is how one responds to them in a given situation. I believe that the Test match was a perfect example of how to overcome a challenge of the highest order,” the cricket great said.
“Yes, it was important for all of us to be focussed, stay in the moment. I am glad that many relate to that knock and get the inspiration to look ahead, not be down and out,” said Laxman, who is now Head of BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, playing a key role in Indian team” T-20 World Cup win in Ahmedabad too.
“That match was very special for Indian cricket because it reinforced the belief that we could come back from extremely difficult situations and still win a Test match andcompete with the very best teams in the world,” the star batter of yesteryears explained.
Well, VVS Laxman has earned a reputation of being a saviour on innumerable occasions in a star-studded line-up in that golden era. And, that itself is a glorious tribute to his class, consistency and character
