It's a very satisfying feeling, says Laxman

“This innings was very important,” said Laxman, who battled back spasms to remain unconquered on 103. “It stands out because of the situation we were in, not only in this Test but also in the series. The partnership between me and Sachin changed the momentum of the game. It’s a very satisfying feeling. More importantly, it feels good for the team because we really worked hard during the entire tour.”

Laxman’s standing in the Indian team has been often undermined by the perceived extraneous need to keep proving himself. “I have had to deal with it since the start of my career,” he laughed. “I have started dealing with it much better. What matters really is how the team feels about you. And there is no doubt that the team members feel my contribution to the team is important.

“Initially, it was tough to play with that feeling of insecurity. It’s unfortunate. Sometimes, I think of how many runs I would probably have scored if had been given a free hand. But after 4-5 years of international cricket, I started dealing with it much better and now these things don’t bother me.”

The P Sara Oval was where Laxman twisted his ankle in 2008 and fought on to make an unbeaten 72 in a losing cause. Despite the pain this time, it was a much happier ending. “It was painful,” he conceded. “Yesterday, when we were fielding, I had spasms in the lower back. I started my innings well today, but during the partnership, I had a lot of discomfort which didn’t allow me to move freely. Once I was into my 30s, it became very painful. “The decision to go for a runner (Virender Sehwag) was difficult. You don’t want to create confusion, and you also don’t want to break the rhythm. Sachin got out once I took the runner. But I was in such pain that I though that the best decision in the team’s interest was to have runner instead of just giving away my wicket due to pain. It was an intelligent move was to have a runner. Luckily, the partnership with Raina developed. He played very positively.”

Crediting Raina and Sehwag with helping him through that phase, Laxman went on, “They kept telling me ‘It’s just another ten runs, concentrate on smaller goals’. I also took a couple of painkillers but I don’t know how much they helped as it take 30-40 minutes before they take effect. But the situation and the importance of the game some time supercedes your pain. You just focus on the process and goal in hand and it takes you over the pain barrier.”

Kishore Kumar’s songs were Laxman’s ally on Saturday when he awaited his turn to bat. “There are various things I do, like read a book or chat to a friend, to keep the mind fresh and relaxed when before going in to bat,” he smiled, then spoke of the spirit within this Indian team.

“You play for each other. It’s like a family, You are taking care of each other, helping them through tough times and enjoying each others’ success. I am really happy that my team-mates think about me like that.”