In the annals of Indian cricket, few batsmen have exemplified resilience as consistently as VVS Laxman. Time and again, when the Indian batting order has crumbled under pressure, Laxman has stood as a lone sentinel, unfazed by the storm around him. His innings in the second innings of the Durban Test was another chapter in this saga—a masterclass in survival and responsibility against one of the most hostile fast-bowling attacks in the world.
A Shaky Start Amid the Storm
The third day began ominously for India. Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, with their combination of sheer pace and bounce, sliced through the top order with surgical precision. India’s batsmen, once again, found themselves in familiar trouble—struggling to cope with the venom and accuracy of the South African pacers.
As wickets fell in quick succession, the Indian innings seemed destined to fold. However, into this chaos walked VVS Laxman—the ever-dependable batsman from Hyderabad. Known for thriving under pressure, Laxman embodied calm amidst the carnage, determined to steady the innings and rebuild. His presence at the crease was not just a lifeline for India but also a source of reassurance for the dressing room.
The Tail’s Guardian Angel
What sets Laxman apart from most modern-day batsmen is not just his elegance or technical prowess but his ability to shepherd the tail. His calm demeanor has a unique effect, imbuing lower-order players with confidence, and allowing them to bat beyond their perceived limits. It’s a rare trait, reminiscent of Inzamam-ul-Haq in his prime—someone who could transform tail-enders into capable allies at the crease.
Zaheer Khan, known more for his exploits with the ball, found himself in the middle with Laxman. On a pitch bristling with bounce and menace, Zaheer would normally have been expected to falter against the relentless Steyn, Morkel, and Tsotsobe. Yet, under Laxman’s guidance, Zaheer batted with unexpected patience and poise, countering the fast bowlers with resilience.
This unlikely partnership was crafted not just with runs but with trust. Laxman’s assured presence signalled to Zaheer, *“Don’t worry. I’m here with you.”* It’s this unspoken bond that makes Laxman invaluable—not just to the scoreboard but to his teammates. A partnership of 70 runs was scripted, built on communication, faith, and Laxman’s ability to remain unflappable under pressure.
### **Building Partnerships, Not Records**
Laxman’s approach has never been about chasing individual milestones; it’s always been about the team. This is why his dismissal for 96 did not invite frustration, either from him or his fans. In his eyes, it wasn’t the four missing runs that mattered—it was the runs that he had already contributed to keeping India in the game.
While many players might have rued missing a century, Laxman is cut from a different cloth. His happiness lies not in personal records but in team success. For him, batting is an act of service—every run is a step towards collective triumph. This selflessness, this clarity of purpose, is what makes Laxman a cricketer to be admired.
A Test of Character at Durban
The 70-run stand with Zaheer, though not monumental on paper, carried immense significance. It kept India afloat in a situation that could have quickly spiralled into disaster. More importantly, it showcased the heart and character of a team fighting against the odds. In such moments, Laxman becomes more than just a batsman—he becomes the spiritual anchor, keeping the team connected to the possibility of victory.
Laxman’s innings in Durban was a microcosm of his career: understated, elegant, and immensely valuable. His ability to thrive in adversity, to coax performances out of unlikely partners, and to contribute selflessly to the team has earned him a special place in the history of Indian cricket. Whether India secures victory or not, Laxman’s performance will be remembered as a testament to his ability to lead without fanfare, to inspire without grand gestures, and to deliver when it matters the most.
In the end, cricket is not just about centuries or five-wicket hauls—it’s about moments of grit and grace, of resilience and resolve. VVS Laxman, with his sublime 96, reminded the world once again that true greatness is not defined by records but by the ability to stand tall when everything else falls apart. At Durban, Laxman stood firm—and in doing so, gave India a fighting chance.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
Well said. Laxman has been an under valued contributor for India ever since he scored that 2001 double. Often ppl either ignore him or glibly use the VVS moniker lazily w/o thinking its relevance to the situation. But the true value of laxman has been his role as a man for crisis more often than not. As a Hyderabadi he is relaxed in his style and that transfers a feeling of comfort to the lower order. That makes them give their best as a batsman.
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