VVS Laxman: Very Very Special and the Man Who Beat Australia in 2001
VVS Laxman's 281 at Kolkata in 2001 — partnering Rahul Dravid in a 376-run stand — produced India's most celebrated Test victory. Learn about his elegant career, his technique against pace, and his legacy.
Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman — VVS, standing also for 'Very Very Special' as commentators dubbed him — scored 8,781 Test runs at 45.97 in 134 Tests. His 281 against Australia at Eden Gardens in 2001, adding 376 for the 5th wicket with Rahul Dravid while India followed on, is the most revered innings in Indian Test cricket history.
The 2001 Kolkata Masterpiece
India followed on 274 runs behind Australia in the 2001 Eden Gardens Test. At 232/4 in their second innings they were still 42 runs behind — the match seemed over. Laxman batted with a fluency that beggared belief against the world's best bowling attack — Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie, Mark Waugh — scoring 281 off 452 balls with 44 fours. Dravid (180) anchored while Laxman played with extraordinary freedom. India declared; Australia were bowled out for 212. India won by 171 runs.
Batting Style
Laxman's most celebrated quality was his wrist-play — he could flick the ball from outside off stump through square leg, a shot that became known as the 'Laxman wristy flick'. He batted with elegant footwork and exceptional timing rather than power, making him particularly effective against pace on difficult surfaces.
Frequently asked questions
What is VVS Laxman famous for?
His 281 at Kolkata in 2001 — batting with Rahul Dravid in a 376-run partnership to help India come from following on and beat Australia — is the defining moment of his career and one of India's greatest wins.
What is Laxman's Test batting average?
45.97 in 134 Tests, with 8,781 runs and 17 centuries.