VVS Laxman

Lore & Background

Laxman is one of the few players to have played 100 Test matches, without ever appearing in a Cricket World Cup. In 2002, he was named one of Wisden's five Cricketers of the Year. He was considered to be a part of the original 'Fab Four'. He is popularly called the 'God of 4th Innings' for his exploits in Tests. In 2011, Laxman was awarded the Padma Shri award, India's fourth highest civilian award. In 2012, he retired from international cricket.

Reader's Guide

Laxman is known for his fluid style, technical soundness and aggressiveness. He is equally skilled against both pace and spin, with great timing and outstanding ability to place the ball. He plays with a high elbow and a steady stance and a textbook technique with natural elegance and flair. Laxman found his home in the middle order, batting at numbers 3, 5 and 6. In a 2001 test against Australia and promoted to no. 3 in the second innings from his first innings position of 6, he scored 281 to take India to a huge lead after following on.

Did You Know?

• Laxman made his first-class debut for Hyderabad against Punjab in the 1992–93 Ranji Trophy season.
• He made his Under-19 debut for India against Australia in February 1994.
• Laxman was originally named as the Icon Player for Deccan Chargers before the first season of the IPL, but gave up the status to allow his team a bigger purse at auction.
• He married G. R. Shailaja on 16 February 2004, and they have two children.