V V S Laxman

VVS Laxman, fondly known as  is a former Indian international cricketer born in 1974 in Hyderabad. He cemented his place as an iconic player in Indian Test cricket, renowned for his exceptional strokeplay.

Laxman etched his name in cricket history with several memorable innings, particularly against Australia. In March 2001, he played a majestic knock of 281 against Australia during the Kolkata Test, showcasing his extraordinary skills. In the 2003-04 series, in a monumental partnership with Rahul Dravid, they defied the odds and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in Adelaide. Laxman’s double-century at Feroz Shah Kotla in 2008 made him the second Indian batsman, after Tendulkar, to surpass 2000 runs against the Australians. Despite battling back spasms and relying on a runner, he conjured a magical unbeaten 73 in an exhilarating run-chase in Mohali.

While Laxman’s on-side game draws comparisons to his idol Mohammad Azharuddin, his finesse on the off-side is unmatched. He possesses the rare ability to strike the same ball in either direction, leaving even the Australian team perplexed during India’s 2003-04 tour Down Under. The Australians openly admitted their bewilderment on where to bowl to him. Laxman was also part of the Indian team that emerged as joint-winners in the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy and was honored as one of Wisden’s five Cricketers of the Year in 2002.

In domestic cricket, Laxman represented Hyderabad and played for Lancashire in county cricket. He captained the Deccan Chargers in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League and later played for the Kochi Tuskers. He served as a mentor for the Sunrisers Hyderabad until 2021.

In recognition of his contributions to the sport, Laxman received the prestigious Padma Shri award, India’s fourth highest civilian honor, in 2011. He bid farewell to international cricket in 2012, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.