Unsung hero Laxman does it again for India

Hyderabadi stylish glad to have contributed to teams success

Virender Sehwag was the obvious candidate, for his swashbuckling ways. Rahul Dravid was another clear choice, given his strength of mind and his ability to bat long periods. Sachin Tendulkar was another favourite, for reasons that don’t need any listing. But why not Laxman?

That has been one of the most intriguing conundrums of Indian cricket. For his all grace and efficiency, VVS Laxman hasn’t always been the most celebrated; if it hurts, the classy Hyderabadi doesn’t show it one bit.

Just three nights back, Laxman had revealed his frustrations at not making his form count this series. He had got starts in practically every innings, but had not gone on to make it big. On Saturday, he finally satisfied himself – and drove the team to raptures – with a magnificent effort made under great pressure and in some physical discomfort.

The freeness with which he batted on a difficult surface despite back spasms against a hungry, proud Sri Lankan attack was refreshing to watch because occasionally, Laxman has played well within himself, redefining his role by his own volition. He can dominate like few others without playing a shot in anger, but he can also stonewall and defend. On Saturday, he fused both modes depending on the requirement of the situation, standing tall as Sri Lanka found nary a hope of getting through his impeccable defences.

The P Sara had stood as a Sri Lankan fortress for 16 years, their last defeat here dating back to August 1994. Laxman, with his 16th Test ton, stormed the fortress in his own elegant fashion, driving Sri Lanka to their knees and eliciting gasps of admiration from team-mates, opposition and a strong gathering with his wonderful artistry.

The man of the match award was no more than he deserved, his the final and decisive act in a game of pendulous fortunes. That it was his first such award since Trinidad in 2002 suggests he hasn’t dominated a Test like some of his colleagues, but as they say, it was well worth the wait.

‘Great team effort’

Typically, Laxman was understated in his moment of glory, choosing to focus on the larger picture that was the team rather than self. “It was a great team effort,” he gushed. “The bowlers did brilliantly well to get us back into the game on the second morning. Today, the partnership between Sachin and myself was crucial to get the momentum back.”

Like John Wright had told Dravid before his monumental 149 at Headingley against England in 2001, a word of encouragement from coach Gary Kirsten spurred Laxman on. “Gary told me that this was one more opportunity to contribute for Team India. This is what we play cricket for. I am glad I have contributed when the team needed it most,” Laxman added.

It’s been a year of plenty for Laxman so far, five Tests yielding 498 runs at 99.60, inclusive of two of his 16 Test tons and two half-centuries. At 35, the wrists of steel seem to have found a second wind. Hurray to that!