Killer Instinct Doesn't Mean You Show Emotions

Counted amongst the ‘fabulous five’ of Indian batting along with Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly and Sehwag, V.V.S. Laxman, when in full flow, mesmerised fans with his wristy play and silken, effortless touch. Australia, in particular, bore the brunt of his prowess as he piled up 2,434 runs in 29 Tests against them, with six centuries.

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An Amitabh Bachchan fan, Laxman strode Test cricket like Big B stamped Bollywood, tallying 8,781 runs in 134 Tests, averaging an above par 49.37, though he never played in a 50-over World Cup. He recently launched his autobiography 281 And Beyond (Westland Sport), which “candidly” chronicles his life and times. Excerpts from an exclusive interview with Qaiser Mohammad Ali:

Have you been totally candid in your autobiography?

Absolutely candid. During my career I never expressed myself openly. These days, I give a lot of motivational talks. Two years ago, when I gave a talk to an MNC in Goa, an elderly person told me that my 45-minute talk inspired him and that it would be valuable for his son and grandson. He also said that I should write a book. That was the trigger for this autobiography. I’ve read a lot of autobiographies of eminent people. I have learned a lot by reading books on Mahatama Gandhi, Vivekananda and Andre Agassi.

You scored 2,434 runs in 29 Tests, including six centuries against Aus­tralia—this includes 1,236 runs with four centuries on Australian soil. Why this disdain, or liking, for Aussie bowlers?

I’ve always enjoyed playing against them. Even when I represented India under-19 against them in 1994, I was the highest scorer. The reason could be their attacking, competitive nature. They were probably the best bowling unit in our generation, and they could do well anywhere in the world. So, their never-say-die attitude got the best out of me. Also, the In.dian team challenged them and raised the bar whenever we played against them.

They were ‘competitive’, but you were always retained a ‘good boy’ image.