November 1 marks the birthday of one of the most greatest and influential Test cricketer in the history of Indian cricket- VVS Laxman who turned 43 on Wednesday.
The stylish batsman from Hyderabad was the architect of the win at the Eden Gardens in 2001 that perhaps shaped the future of Indian cricket at the turn of the millennium. While his stroke play was second to none in the world during his career, his steely resolve had made him one of the most sought-after batsmen in the team which comprised the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and others.
Well, no one knows about his steely resolved better than the Australians who suffered the most. In fact, such was the impact of Laxman on them that they had even admitted they did not know where to bowl to him when India toured Australia in 2003-04. Laxman’s carved a special place in the history of Indian cricket when he tormented the all-conquering Australian side in 2001. His majestic knock of 281 had helped India to beat the Aussies after being asked to follow on and the Sourav Ganguly-led side had gone on to win the series, thus ending Steve Waugh & Co.’s 16-series winning streak.
Inconsistency was his nemesis throughout his career, but he managed to come up with a majestic innings after every failure which made him one of the darlings among the fans. The only cricketer to have played over 100 Tests without featuring in a World Cup, Laxman represented India in 134 Tests, scoring 8781 runs at an average of 45.97, notching up 17 centuries and 56 fifties. His record in the ODIs are not that eye-catching and perhaps that was the reason he was not preferred in coloured jersey. He scored 2338 runs in 86 ODIs at a modest average of 30.76 with the help of 6 centuries and 10 fifties.
Even after his retirement, Laxman is actively involved with the game. He is currently a part of Star Sports’ commentary panel and is one of the three members of the Cricket Advisory Committee, responsible for appointing the head coach of the Indian team.
Meanwhile, on his 43rd birthday, messages poured in from all corners with the likes of Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar leading the charge.
Happy b'day, Lax! Shall I spill out the secret behind ur ability to score runs? Taking a shower & eating an apple before going to bat. Oops? pic.twitter.com/DNYFNQUnAi
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 1, 2017
Wishing #WristJaadugar & Bhrata Shri @VVSLaxman281 a very happy birthday.Can calm any situation with a flick of his wrists.Chitiyan Kalaiyan pic.twitter.com/fYv9z2FGW1
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 31, 2017
True inspiration! His crucial knocks down the order has bailed india out so many times. No one can forget his #281 in one of the historic test wins for India. Happy birthday lachi bhai @VVSLaxman281
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) November 1, 2017
Happy birthday to one of the greats of Indian cricket, @VVSLaxman281 bhai..hope you have an amazing year ahead???? pic.twitter.com/writqR5u4d
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) November 1, 2017
Happy birthday @VVSLaxman281!
281 has a Very Very Special meaning in Indian cricket ?
Thanks for the memories!?✌️ pic.twitter.com/hzU4foQKC1— Suresh Raina?? (@ImRaina) November 1, 2017
A great mentor, a real match-winner and one of the kindest souls around, here’s wishing @VVSLaxman281 very best on his birthday. pic.twitter.com/xH0evG0f3u
— Bhuvneshwar Kumar (@BhuviOfficial) November 1, 2017
Wish a very Happy Birthday to Mr Elegant @VVSLaxman281 . May you remain as classic as your drives and flicks. pic.twitter.com/baxJGx5OWD
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) November 1, 2017