Vangipurapu Venkata Sai Laxman, as known as VVS Laxman, born on November 1, 1974, dazzled the cricketing world as a former Indian international cricketer.
His right-handed batting, marked by elegant stroke play, secured him a spot as a middle-order batsman in Test cricket.
Now, Laxman leads as the Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). Additionally, he coaches the India Under-19 and India A teams.
Remarkably, Laxman’s cricket journey includes membership in the Indian team that jointly won the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy with Sri Lanka.
Unique in his career, he played over 100 Test matches yet never appeared in a One-Day Cricket World Cup.
Key Takeaways
Hide- Elegant Batsmanship: Laxman is celebrated for his elegant right-handed batting and strategic middle-order play in Test cricket.
- Prestigious Awards: He received the Padma Shri in 2011 and the Arjuna Award in 2001.
- Record-Breaking Performances: Laxman set records in both batting and fielding, including his famous 281 against Australia.
- Unique Career Trait: He played over 100 Test matches but never appeared in a World Cup.
- Post-Retirement Role: Laxman serves as the Head of Cricket at NCA and mentors young cricketers.
- Domestic Cricket Impact: He played a significant role in domestic cricket, including IPL leadership and mentoring roles.
- Legacy and Inspiration: Laxman's journey in cricket continues to inspire players and fans alike.
Despite his slower running between wickets, Laxman’s fast scoring and exquisite stroke play more than compensated.
His domestic cricket career saw him representing Hyderabad and playing for Lancashire in county cricket. Initially, he captained the Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League’s first season.
Subsequently, he joined the Kochi Tuskers team and later mentored the Sunrisers Hyderabad until 2021. Fans affectionately know him as the ‘God of 4th Innings‘ for his remarkable performances.
In 2011, Laxman received the prestigious Padma Shri award, India’s fourth highest civilian honor. A year later, in 2012, he gracefully retired from international cricket. His legacy continues to inspire cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Cricket and Career: The Journey of VVS Laxman
Born in the bustling city of Hyderabad, now part of Telangana, VVS Laxman’s early life took shape under the guidance of his physician parents, Shantaram and Satyabhama, hailing from Vijayawada.
Interestingly, Laxman’s family tree boasts a connection to Indian history, as he is the great-grandnephew of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s second President.
Laxman’s educational journey began at Little Flower High School in Hyderabad. Initially, he pursued medical studies, but destiny had other plans. Cricket soon called to him, and he embraced it as his life’s calling.
In 2004, Laxman’s personal life blossomed when he wed G. R. Shailaja, a computer applications expert from Guntur.
Together, they embarked on a new chapter, welcoming two children into their lives. Laxman’s story is not just about cricket; it’s a tale of choices, connections, and the creation of a legacy.
Rising Star: VVS Laxman’s Early Domestic Career
VVS Laxman’s cricket journey started in Hyderabad against Punjab during the 1992–93 Ranji Trophy. His debut was humble, scoring a duck initially but then 17 in his next innings.
The following season saw him play just one match before facing a drop. Yet, Laxman bounced back, joining the South Zone squad for the 1994-95 Duleep Trophy.
His under-19 performances were impressive, but success in the Duleep Trophy eluded him.
Breakthrough Performances: Laxman’s Domestic Cricket Ascension
By the next Ranji Trophy season, Laxman’s talent shone brightly. He amassed 532 runs in five matches, averaging 76. This feat included two centuries.
His prowess continued in the 1995-96 Duleep Trophy semi-final, where he scored 47 and a remarkable 121 in two innings.
The next Ranji season was even more spectacular, with Laxman scoring 775 runs at an average of 86. His remarkable 203* against Karnataka highlighted his skill.
Laxman’s County Stint: Lancashire and Beyond
Post-Test matches, Laxman joined Lancashire as an overseas player, replacing Brad Hodge. His stint included five county championship games, showcasing his sublime batting.
In a crucial match against Surrey, Laxman scored a century but narrowly missed leading Lancashire to victory. His performance was notable, averaging 54.28 with two centuries.
A Twist in the Tale: IPL Ventures and Challenges
Initially, Laxman was the icon player for Deccan Chargers in the IPL’s first season. However, he relinquished this status, allowing the team more financial flexibility at the auction.
His tenure as captain was short-lived, as he stepped down midway due to poor team performance. Adam Gilchrist then took the reins. Laxman’s IPL journey saw highs and lows, with notable innings but overall struggles with form.
In 2011, Kochi Tuskers Kerala acquired him, but an injury cut his season short. Laxman’s IPL career concluded with him serving as a mentor for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2013.
Rising Through the Ranks: VVS Laxman’s Early International Career
Debut and Challenges (1996–2000)
VVS Laxman’s test debut in 1996 marked the beginning of an illustrious career. In Ahmedabad against South Africa, he scored a commendable fifty. Despite a rocky start in Kolkata, he persevered.
His initial years, however, were marred by inconsistency. Laxman found himself struggling to cement a place in India’s robust middle order.
Consequently, he was repurposed as an opener, a role he intermittently continued for nearly three years. His standout performance included a 95 against Australia in Kolkata, contributing to a resounding Indian victory.
Nevertheless, his journey was not without hurdles, as he faced being dropped from both Test and ODI teams due to fluctuating performances.
Rediscovery and Resurgence
Laxman returned to first-class cricket, aiming to reclaim his spot on the national team. His dedication paid off during the 1999-2000 Ranji season, where he broke records with 1,415 runs.
This extraordinary feat earned him a recall for the Australian tour in 2000. There, he shone with a stellar 167 in Sydney, standing tall amidst a challenging series.
Despite this success, Laxman decided to return to domestic cricket, finding the opener role unsuitable. His perseverance and skill eventually led to a recall in late 2000, marking the start of a new chapter.
Mastering the Game: Laxman in His Prime
Dominance Down Under (2007-2008)
Laxman’s proficiency peaked in the 2007-08 series against Australia. His remarkable 109 in Sydney and a crucial 79 in Perth exemplified his dominance.
These performances, especially at the SCG, where he averaged over 90, were instrumental in India’s historic victory in Perth.
Despite challenges in Sri Lanka against Muralitharan and Mendis, Laxman’s resilience was evident as he crossed the 6,000-run milestone.
Stellar Performances and Records
Facing Australia later that year, Laxman’s form was unstoppable. He amassed 381 runs in four Tests, including a double century.
His partnership with Gautam Gambhir in Delhi was a spectacle, both scoring double hundreds – a first against Australia.
Laxman’s match-winning 96 in Durban against South Africa was another highlight, demonstrating his crucial role in India’s successes.
The Final Stretch: VVS Laxman’s Retirement
In 2011, during the England tour, Laxman’s form dipped, leading to India’s series defeat. However, he rebounded magnificently against the West Indies in India, scoring an unbeaten 176, earning the Man of the Match. His final tours to Australia and New Zealand, though challenging, showcased his fighting spirit.
A Graceful Exit
On 18 August 2012, VVS Laxman announced his retirement from international cricket. He chose not to participate in the upcoming New Zealand series, focusing instead on domestic cricket and the IPL.
In honor of his contributions, a stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium was named after him, cementing his legacy in the annals of cricket history.
VVS Laxman: Steering Indian Cricket with Legends
Joining forces with cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman forms the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) of the BCCI.
This trio of legends, under the leadership of Anurag Thakur and the late Jagmohan Dalmiya, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Their mission? To guide the BCCI on diverse cricketing matters.
The CAC has already made significant strides. They recommended Anil Kumble and Ravi Shastri as coaches for the Indian cricket team. These choices have left indelible marks on the team’s coaching history.
Beyond the committee, Laxman also contributes as a batting consultant. He plays a pivotal role in the Cricket Association of Bengal’s Vision 2020 project.
Here, his expertise shapes the future of batting talents. Laxman’s journey from a cricketing legend to a guiding force in cricket administration showcases his enduring commitment to the sport.
VVS Laxman: A Legacy of Honors and Records
- Prestigious Accolades: In 2011, VVS Laxman received the Padma Shri, India’s fourth highest civilian award. Earlier, in 2001, he was honored with the Arjuna Award for his remarkable achievements in cricket.
- Wisden Recognition: The year 2002 saw Laxman named as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year, a testament to his cricketing prowess.
- ODI Century Record: Laxman is among the elite cricketers who have scored the most centuries (3) in a single ODI series.
- Historic Innings: His iconic 281 against Australia in Kolkata, 2001, ranks sixth in Wisden’s 100 great Test innings ever.
- Fielding Excellence: Laxman also holds the record for the most catches (12) by a non-wicketkeeper in a single ODI series, sharing this feat with Allan Border.
- Remarkable Partnerships: Along with Rahul Dravid, he set a world record for the highest partnership (376 Runs) in the third innings of a Test match, contributing to a winning cause.
- A Session’s Century: Laxman joins an exclusive club of six Indian test players who scored 100 runs in a single Test match session.
- Eden Gardens Maestro: He is the second Indian to score over 1000 runs at a single ground, amassing 1217 runs at Eden Gardens with an astounding average of 110.63.
- Unmatched Average: Laxman is the only Indian to score 1000 runs at a ground with an average exceeding 100.
- Dual Unbeaten Fifties: He is one of only three international players, and the sole Indian, to score unbeaten fifties in both innings of a Test more than once.
- Academic Recognition: In 2015, Teri University, New Delhi, awarded Laxman an honorary doctorate, recognizing his contributions beyond the cricket field.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some of VVS Laxman's notable achievements in international cricket?
Laxman is renowned for scoring the most centuries (3) in a single ODI series and his historic 281 against Australia in 2001, which ranks sixth in Wisden’s list of 100 great Test innings. He also holds the record for most catches (12) by a non-wicketkeeper in a single ODI series.
When did VVS Laxman retire from international cricket, and what honors did he receive?
Laxman retired in August 2012 and received prestigious awards like the Padma Shri in 2011 and the Arjuna Award in 2001. He was also named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2002.
What is unique about Laxman's Test cricket career?
Unique in his career, Laxman played over 100 Test matches but never appeared in a One-Day Cricket World Cup. He is also known for his fast scoring and exquisite stroke play.
What roles has Laxman assumed after retiring from playing cricket?
Post-retirement, Laxman has been active in cricket administration and coaching. He leads as the Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), coaches the India Under-19 and India A teams, and serves on the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) of the BCCI.
