"ALL GOOD THINGS HAVE TO COME TO AN END"
This line has come to the rescue of those struggling to find out as to why, some things, however desirable, have to come to an end. Today, these words yet again sum up the occasion that has arrived before us. A legend, a master batsman, a magician with the bat & one of the most humble humans,
V.V.S. LAXMAN, has bid adieu to international cricket today.
It was on 9th March’2012 that my personal favorite Rahul Dravid retired from international cricket, today, 6 months & 9 days later, another compatriot of his has decided to hang his boots.
For all these years, we’ve heard that Sachin is the God, Ganguly the king of off side, Dravid the wall, Dhoni the coolest captain ever... another name in that list is that of Laxman, the disaster management expert. His best always came out when India was down in the dumps, more often than not, in the 2nd innings of a test match. Kolkata (2001), Johannesburg (2006), Napier (2009), Colombo (2010), Mohali (2010), Durban (2011).. the list is endless.
His impeccable timing, wristy stroke play & calm demeanor played a crucial role in India’s rise to the top in the last decade. We as Indians, have been lucky to have witnessed the likes of Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly, Kumble & Laxman play together for India for many years.
The Aussie great Ian Chappell, called VVS “Very Very Special” after his 5 centuries on the Australia tour in 2003/04, and rightly so. For a long time I actually believed that VVS LAXMAN actually meant Very Very Special Laxman... :)
Laxman, like Dravid has always done his job for the team without being noticed while the limelight was on the Tendulkars & the Gangulys..
For a long time it was the no.3 & no.5 batsmen that the Indian cricket team relied upon. Dravid & Laxman have had plenty of partnerships over the years that sailed India’s boat. The magnificent Eden Gardens test, 2001 comes first to the mind, then there is Adelaide in 2003 & many more to follow. But their partnership started long time back, from their early days in cricket.
This veteran of more than 100 tests played the anchor role in many of India’s feats, but was always a humble gentleman who played the game in the right spirit. Unfortunately, sportsmen have always been judged on the yardstick of their statistics.
One thing, that Laxman has himself agreed was a dream never fulfilled was that he never got to play the World Cup. Other than that, it was, is & will remain an illustrious career.
Many of his fans must have wanted him to play at least the 1st test against New Zealand, starting
23rd August, as it will be played at his home ground, Hyderabad... But… he had some other plans.
I grew up seeing the likes of Steve Waugh, Inzamam Ul Haq, Brian Lara, Andrew Flintoff & Muttiah Muralidharan announce a series or match as their last & seeing thousands of fans giving them a standing ovation as they made their way one last time on the cricket field.
But first it was Dravid & now Laxman, 2 legends have bid good bye to the game without giving the world one last chance to witness them.
To sum up, I would like to state that Laxman did nothing wrong in his 16yr old career, except the fact that he played in the era that was dominated by Sachin Tendulkar…
He would have been a celebrated legend had he played the sport for any other country, as many greats of the game have said.
VVS LAXMAN, you are VERY VERY SPECIAL indeed… thank you for the memories. Here’s wishing you a great life ahead… J
It was on 9th March’2012 that my personal favorite Rahul Dravid retired from international cricket, today, 6 months & 9 days later, another compatriot of his has decided to hang his boots.
For all these years, we’ve heard that Sachin is the God, Ganguly the king of off side, Dravid the wall, Dhoni the coolest captain ever... another name in that list is that of Laxman, the disaster management expert. His best always came out when India was down in the dumps, more often than not, in the 2nd innings of a test match. Kolkata (2001), Johannesburg (2006), Napier (2009), Colombo (2010), Mohali (2010), Durban (2011).. the list is endless.
His impeccable timing, wristy stroke play & calm demeanor played a crucial role in India’s rise to the top in the last decade. We as Indians, have been lucky to have witnessed the likes of Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly, Kumble & Laxman play together for India for many years.
The Aussie great Ian Chappell, called VVS “Very Very Special” after his 5 centuries on the Australia tour in 2003/04, and rightly so. For a long time I actually believed that VVS LAXMAN actually meant Very Very Special Laxman... :)
Laxman, like Dravid has always done his job for the team without being noticed while the limelight was on the Tendulkars & the Gangulys..
This veteran of more than 100 tests played the anchor role in many of India’s feats, but was always a humble gentleman who played the game in the right spirit. Unfortunately, sportsmen have always been judged on the yardstick of their statistics.
One thing, that Laxman has himself agreed was a dream never fulfilled was that he never got to play the World Cup. Other than that, it was, is & will remain an illustrious career.
Many of his fans must have wanted him to play at least the 1st test against New Zealand, starting
23rd August, as it will be played at his home ground, Hyderabad... But… he had some other plans.
I grew up seeing the likes of Steve Waugh, Inzamam Ul Haq, Brian Lara, Andrew Flintoff & Muttiah Muralidharan announce a series or match as their last & seeing thousands of fans giving them a standing ovation as they made their way one last time on the cricket field.
But first it was Dravid & now Laxman, 2 legends have bid good bye to the game without giving the world one last chance to witness them.
To sum up, I would like to state that Laxman did nothing wrong in his 16yr old career, except the fact that he played in the era that was dominated by Sachin Tendulkar…He would have been a celebrated legend had he played the sport for any other country, as many greats of the game have said.
VVS LAXMAN, you are VERY VERY SPECIAL indeed… thank you for the memories. Here’s wishing you a great life ahead… J
With love & laughs Puneet Bajaj :)