VVS Laxman
As Sachin Tendulkar used to haunt Shane Warne in his dreams, for Ricky Ponting, VVS Laxman has morphed into the same category. He stood solidly between Australia’s victory and snatched it from the jaws of defeat from the Aussies for India to ensure that the Indian team continues to maintain their numero Uno position in the world of test cricket.
For a sports writer it indeed becomes a moment of personal satisfaction when the views expressed by her in a previous column turn out to be prophetic as it happened with this columnist who had predicted that Laxman could indeed become the thorn in the flesh for Aussies. Though the moment of satisfaction could be half correct, as the columnist had also predicted that Sachin would also contribute, but it did not materialize. Even then, Laxman in a way redeemed this columnist as well.
For Laxman it has been a decade of battle against the Kangaroos and every time he has emerged on top and Aussie captain Ricky Ponting must be wondering whether this man would ever blink against the Aussies to allow them a victory when it matters! In the Aussie country he must be the most wanted man.
The personal war that Laxman has mastered against the Aussies started in the series in 1999-2000 when in Sydney he stood against the likes of Glen McGrath, Jason Gillespie etc., all and forced the Aussies to concede defeat. It was followed by his herculean feat in the Kolkata test match along with Rahul Dravid that virtually sealed all trap doors for the Aussies to even sense a victory around the corner. His saga of heroism continued through Chennai in 2001, Adelaide in 2003, and Mumbai in 2004 and now in Mohali in 2010. It indeed has been one decade of solid performance against Aussies, and one wonders why the cricket writers are not thinking of writing a book on his performance against the Aussies. Could it be owing to the fact that he is not that glamorous to command a book in his name?
Now that the party is on in the Indian camp, it also is a time when the Indian camp has to start thinking about finding a replacement for Laxman. He cannot continue to fight against his health on a continuous basis and therefore need of the hour is to find a suitable replacement for him as soon as possible, so that when he hangs his boots, somebody steps into his shoes effortlessly.
Tags: Australia, Cricket, India, Indian Cricket, Indian Sports, Mohali, Sports, Sports India, Test Cricket, VVS Laxman
