Blessed with great technique and style, VVS Laxman is one of the finest batsmen India has ever produced, and will forever be remembered for his epic 281 against Australia – often spoken of as the greatest test match innings of all time. In this extract from his autobiography, 281 And Beyond, he describes the days and moments leading up to his debut test match against South Africa in Ahmedabad, in which he scored a crucial 2nd innings half century to help India win
19 November 1996. I was trembling with nervous anticipation as I stood on a chair and looked down at the audience.
This wasn’t something I had anticipated when I was selected to play for the country. Sourav had been unavailable due to injury and Sanjay Manjrekar had decided to open the innings. I had been selected along with Pankaj Dharmani to fill the middle-order spots that had opened up. Pankaj and I had driven down to Ahmedabad from Baroda after playing for the Board President’s XI against the South Africans.
We had all been herded into our coach Madan Lal’s suite for the customary team meeting, the evening before the start of the Test series against South Africa. I had had two solid batting sessions with the team in the lead-up to the Test match in Ahmedabad, and had been reasonably confident after the match-eve stint that I would make my debut the following day. Madan Lal announced the playing eleven and the team broke into spontaneous applause. When ‘Laxman’ rolled offhis tongue, I beamed uncontrollably, my eyes glistening with unshed tears. This was it, then, eight weeks after I was first picked for the Indian squad. As was the tradition then, I was asked to address my mates. There was Sachin Tendulkar, our captain and a role model, even though he was from my generation. There was Azzu bhai, my hero and inspiration. Anil Kumble, already a proven matchwinner. Javagal Srinath, a senior member and prankster if ever there was one. And Rahul Dravid, who had been my good friend for a long time by then.
Esta historia es de la edición January 2019 de Man's World.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición January 2019 de Man's World.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Why Men Won't Talk About Cosmetic Surgery
While more and more men are visiting aestheticians for invasive treatments, most are still hesitant to talk about it
How Skinny Is Too Skinny?
We're only talking about your jeans, gentlemen
STEERING PANERAI'S COURSE ALESSANDRO FICARELLI CHARTS NEW WATERS
As the vaunted brand's Italian heritage puts on a show at Geneva this spring, we take a closer look at one of the minds behind their latest launches and charismatic storytelling chops, at sea and back on dry land
TRACKING TIME WATCHES AND WONDERS 2024 SPECIAL
WHEN IN GENEVA....
20 Young Talents to Watch Out For
Till a few years ago, India's sporting clout was synonymous with cricket and restricted to a handful of names outside of it. That's no longer the case. We're witnessing a sporting revolution brewing, where a country of over a billion is finally showing its unlimited reserve of extraordinary talent, across the playing field. Leading the charge are these remarkable individuals, who are shaping the narrative for future generations and telling you that sports is serious business on home turf
SHOULDERING A BILLION DREAMS
Silver, Bronze, Gold? Will the third time be a charm for the champion shuttler?
Summer Notes
Scents that will make people ask what you are wearing!
Royal Enfield Himalayan Glimpses Of A Faster Future
The second-gen ADV excels in most departments, shows promise in a few, and raises a rather interesting question: why doesn't Royal Enfield make faster and sportier motorcycles?
My Battle With Anxiety
How It Started; How It Is Going
Newest In Niche Travel A Cool Trip To Attend Your Favourite Gig
A growing number of young Indians are traveling abroad to attend concerts, races, and various other kinds of live events