VVS Laxman: The cricketer I admired, the friend I treasure

It goes without saying that Laxman values those who have helped him at different stages of his cricketing journey. | Photo Credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

V.V.S. Laxman is infinite joy at the crease, unadulterated entertainment. Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag are known to set aside all work just to admire his batsmanship. Rahul Dravid is a huge fan. Among his closest friends have been Kartik Murali, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra and Harbhajan Singh, all bowlers who wanted to become better batters. Laxman mentored them at the nets, and they went on to forge some fruitful partnerships. Harbhajan gained the most, scoring two Test hundreds. They never tire of acknowledging their gratitude.

The good Hyderabadi, God-fearing and truthful that he is, Laxman has been a dear friend, if I may call him so. We met for the first time in Derby during India’s 1996 tour of England, when he was playing club cricket in the Bradford League in Yorkshire and had come to meet India captain Mohd. Azharuddin. A shy 22-year-old, he was at a critical phase of his life. Had he not worn the India cap that season, Laxman would have been lost to the world of cricket. His parents, Shantaram and Satyabhama, both eminent doctors, had given him an ultimatum: play for India by 22, or return to study medicine. Time was running out. Five months after that meeting in Derby, Laxman walked into the Indian dressing room, making a superb debut against South Africa in Ahmedabad. His 51 in the second innings was the highest individual score by an Indian in the match.

Baba Krishnamohan, his maternal uncle, was much relieved. He had played a major role in shaping Laxman’s career by backing his dream of playing cricket. “Laxman never missed a day of practice at his club in Marredpally. I had seen the spark and managed to convince his parents. He had scored 98 per cent in Intermediate and had a great future as a doctor, too. But cricket beckoned him, and we should be grateful he grabbed the opportunity,” said Krishnamohan.

It has been a wonderful experience following Laxman’s career and writing about a man who was easily the most selfless player I have known. Have you seen a better exponent of the on-drive? His First-Class debut, in February 1993 against Punjab in Ludhiana, was not particularly memorable. Walking in at No. 6, he was out first ball to the wily left-arm spinner Bharti Vij.

Baba Krishnamohan (left), Laxman’s maternal uncle, had played a major role in shaping Laxman’s career by backing his dream of playing cricket. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

“I can never forget the moment. His reputation as a brilliant stroke-player had preceded him, and I tested him with a flighted delivery. He tried playing his famous on-drive but did not connect and was bowled first ball. It remains my prize catch. I have not come across a better player of the on-drive,” Vij said.

It was Laxman’s on-drive that helped dismantle Shane Warne at Eden Gardens during that epic 281 in 2001. Australia came to grief as Laxman conjured one bewitching stroke after another. His on-drive was breathtaking, as were the shots over cover against the magical leg-spinner. Audiences around the world were left spellbound. We had seen a trailer of what was to come in Sydney in January 2000, when he opened the innings and bludgeoned the Australian attack for 167. The opener’s slot had been thrust upon him, and he responded with a thunderous knock. The relief on his face was evident when I met him at the end of the day’s play. The team management had requested the Board to allow Laxman to stay on for the one-dayers. In that moment of glory, Laxman told the Australian media about the support he had received from his parents and Krishnamohan.

Like Tendulkar, who offers an early indication of his form with a back-foot punch through cover, Laxman gives a glimpse of his touch with that on-drive. He learnt to play the shot on matting pitches in Hyderabad and mastered it over the years. His pull shot, too, is a delight to watch as he gets into position to tame the ball.

It was Laxman’s on-drive that helped dismantle Shane Warne at Eden Gardens during that epic 281 in 2001.  | Photo Credit: The Hindu Photo Library

He is equally delightful off the field, as I discovered during the many tours I made with the Indian team. I must confess that Laxman’s insistence on staying in touch with family members is an admirable quality. “ Aap se toh baat karte rehte naa (We keep talking so often),” he says with a disarming smile that is to be treasured.

It is nearly impossible to find fault with Laxman. He is not known to hurt people and often withdraws quietly from toxic surroundings, never letting anyone know how disappointed he is. Even when he loses his temper, he does so politely. But he was devastated when the national selectors left him out of the 2003 World Cup squad in South Africa. He may have shed tears in solitude, but the widespread criticism of the shabby treatment meted out to Laxman clearly embarrassed the selectors, particularly when the media questioned their preference for Dinesh Mongia.

It goes without saying that Laxman values those who have helped him at different stages of his cricketing journey. His close circle of friends today, I know, includes many from his early days. His closest friend in cricket is Kartik. “We hit it off right from the early days of knowing each other. I first met him in Chennai when I was 13. He was already a big name but never behaved like one. He doesn’t wear humility to impress. He is a rare, genuine human being who has never changed despite his fame. I can say he has no filters. I still have two bats he gifted me from his personal collection.”

As Kartik pointed out, Laxman even gave up 15 per cent of his icon-player fee from the now-defunct Indian Premier League franchise Deccan Chargers so that the franchise could use the money to buy big players.

Laxman has revered Azharuddin. All the more so because experts have drawn comparisons between them for their wristy strokeplay, especially the shots on the on-side. During one of our conversations early in his international career, I recall Laxman making a request. “Can you please request your colleagues in the media not to compare me with Azzu bhai?” I was taken aback. Did Laxman consider himself superior to Azhar? Laxman added, “There can never be any comparison between us. No one can bat like him.” This humility has been a hallmark of Laxman’s personality. Laxman’s devotion to cricket is legendary because he knows his batting boundaries. Azharuddin responded with warmth when I shared Laxman’s views. “I have loved his style. The ease with which he picks the line and gaps makes shot-making such a pleasure.”

It goes without saying that Laxman values those who have helped him at different stages of his cricketing journey. His close circle of friends today, I know, includes many from his early days. His closest friend in cricket is Kartik Murali. | Photo Credit: K. BHAGYA PRAKASH

Laxman’s response to interview requests has always been positive. “ Kal kar sakte? (Can we do it tomorrow?)” he asks, looking to accommodate the media because he needs time to prepare.

He would have pursued his ambition to become a cardiovascular surgeon, but thank God he made the best of the chance in 1996 with a decent Test debut. It has been a privilege to know Laxman. He goes out of the way to help you and seeks nothing in return. Of the many breakfasts, lunches and dinner outings I have had with Laxman, the one before Covid stands out. He suggested the Chutneys in Himayatnagar, which was close to my home, but an hour’s drive in heavy traffic for him from Banjara Hills. He did not want me to travel far. The Chutneys is a much-frequented place and offers the Steam Dosa, which was popularised by Telugu film star Chiranjeevi. The restaurant turned into a cricket stadium literally as he was mobbed. He requested the fans, including some senior citizens, to allow him time and space to entertain some “special guest” from Delhi. Once the breakfast was done, he obliged them with pics and autographs for a good 15 minutes.

On the next trip to Hyderabad, it will be a pleasure to enjoy his favourite steam dosa at Chutneys. By the way, his wife, Sailaja, is also an outstanding cook and host.

Many happy returns of the day to the nicest man in Indian cricket.