<p>VVS Laxman’s magnificent 281 formed the bedrock around which India orchestrated their memorable come-from-behind triumph against Australia in 2001. Since then, the Hyderabadi has enjoyed unqualified success here, eight Tests yielding 898 runs at 81.63, including three hundreds, the last of them an unbeaten 112 against Pakistan in the last Test at this venue, in December 2007.<br /><br />“It’s always great to play at the Eden Gardens,” Laxman told Deccan Herald on Saturday. “It’s a beautiful ground and there is quite an atmosphere when the ground is full. I enjoy playing here, and I suppose that shows in the returns I have had at this venue.”<br /><br />Laxman missed the first Test against South Africa in Nagpur with an injury to his left hand. “It was disappointing to miss that game,” said Laxman, who will bat at number five here. <br />“Coming into this game, there is a responsibility not only on me but on the entire batting line-up to come up with the goods. Every time you play for India, you have the responsibility to perform. Though I missed the last Test, I bring confidence with me to this game. I am determined to give it my best shot.”<br /><br />The Hyderabadi added that individually and as a team, there was no focus on rankings or India’s proud home record. “We approach every Test wanting to win it, as simple as that,” Laxman stressed. “We prepare well, and we discuss our plans. We discuss the processes we need to follow, knowing that if the process is right, the result will take care of itself. Sometimes, if you focus only on the result, there is a huge chance you will lose track of the path you need to take.”</p>
<p>VVS Laxman’s magnificent 281 formed the bedrock around which India orchestrated their memorable come-from-behind triumph against Australia in 2001. Since then, the Hyderabadi has enjoyed unqualified success here, eight Tests yielding 898 runs at 81.63, including three hundreds, the last of them an unbeaten 112 against Pakistan in the last Test at this venue, in December 2007.<br /><br />“It’s always great to play at the Eden Gardens,” Laxman told Deccan Herald on Saturday. “It’s a beautiful ground and there is quite an atmosphere when the ground is full. I enjoy playing here, and I suppose that shows in the returns I have had at this venue.”<br /><br />Laxman missed the first Test against South Africa in Nagpur with an injury to his left hand. “It was disappointing to miss that game,” said Laxman, who will bat at number five here. <br />“Coming into this game, there is a responsibility not only on me but on the entire batting line-up to come up with the goods. Every time you play for India, you have the responsibility to perform. Though I missed the last Test, I bring confidence with me to this game. I am determined to give it my best shot.”<br /><br />The Hyderabadi added that individually and as a team, there was no focus on rankings or India’s proud home record. “We approach every Test wanting to win it, as simple as that,” Laxman stressed. “We prepare well, and we discuss our plans. We discuss the processes we need to follow, knowing that if the process is right, the result will take care of itself. Sometimes, if you focus only on the result, there is a huge chance you will lose track of the path you need to take.”</p>
