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India's Cricket has seen many legendary players who have left indelible marks on the sport. Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman, formerly known as 'Vey very special' Laxman, was such an example. He had been an outstanding former International Indian player for over a decade with his right-handed batting stroke-play; he has been named one of Wisden's five Cricketers of the Year. Currently being the head of the Cricket Team at National Cricket Academy, he continues to serve us with his extraordinary.
Laxman was born on November 1, 1974, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. One of his popular identities was being the great-grandnephew of India's former President, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakhrishnan. VVS Laxman's age was just 11 when his Uncle, a club cricketer, spotted his talent and joined him at St John's Coaching camp.
Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman belonged to a well-to-do family where both his parents were doctors. After completing his studies at Little Flower High School, Hyderabad, with a remarkable grade, he joined medical school. It was not too late when he chose to shift his career to Cricket.
Laxman was a player with equal skill in both pace and spin. Being a middle-order batsman, Laxman, he was characterised as fluent and arrogant. The elegant wristy player's batting technique sublimed the Australians, creating a position along with Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly.
Laxman's debut match wasn't a good start. His match was for Hyderabad against Punjab in the quarter-final of 1992-93 at the Ranji Trophy Season. He scored a duck in the first innings and 17 in the second.
Contrary to his first-class debut, he scored 11 in the first innings against South Africa in the year 1996. The match was won at a marginal point of 64 runs with a weak track in the second innings.
Laxman's record of 1415 runs in the 1999-2000 Ranji Trophy season. That was an unforgettable single-season score that had an impact.
Laxman had a keen interest in playing against Australia. Firstly, during the under-19 in February 1994, he made an 88 against Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie. With an unbeaten score of 226 in the second series, he led a run scorer of average of 110.25.
Secondly, in 1998 at Kolkata, he scored 167 and beat the Aussies at their home ground with a score of 167.
Laxman's participation in 'Food For Change' for the charitable cause of education of unprivileged students gives Laxman the image of a philanthropic personality.
Laxman was supposed to retire after the home series against Australia in 2013 but later clarified to selectors that he would play the two tests.
VVS Laxman's IPL franchise was originally the Deccan Chargers, the Hyderabad team where he was given the title 'Icon Player'. He stepped down from captaincy to improve the team's fundraising, and later, Adam Gilchrist took over. He had an average of 31 and a strike rate of 118.
VVS Laxman's cricket journey exemplifies skill, determination, and resilience. He'll always be remembered as a 'Very Very Special' cricketer who brought immense happiness to countless fans. Let's cherish the grace and enchantment he brought to the sport and inspire generations of cricketers to follow in his footsteps.
FAQs
When did he score his first hundred?
In February 1987, during an under-13 tournament, VVS Laxman achieved his first century while representing Hyderabad.
Did Laxman play in a Cricket World Cup?
Laxman never had the opportunity to play a World Cup Match.
What was Laxman's net worth in the Deccan Chargers?
The Deccan Chargers bought him at a worth of $375,000 during the first seasons.
