Happy birthday, VVS Laxman: Here're some unique things about him
VVS Laxman is one of the most charismatic middle-order batsman to have ever played the game for India. Having dominated mostly in the longest format, he went on to script a number of records, besides taking India to great levels in the format. As he celebrates his 45th birthday on Friday, we take a look at some of the unique things about him.
While he might be an astronomical figure in Indian cricket, little does anyone know that he is the great grand-nephew of former Indian president, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Radhakrishnan was the second-ever president of India, who served from 1962-67, as he succeeded Dr. Rajendra Prasad. Radhakrishnan was also the first vice-president of India from 1952-62.
It was in February 1994, when Laxman made his U-19 debut for India, against Australia. He scored 88 in the game, batting at number six, against a ruthless Australian attack, which consisted of Brett Lee and Jason Gillespie, who too were making their respective U-19 debuts. Notably, Laxman annihilated the Aussies in the series and finished as the leading run-scorer.
While Laxman might have troubled the scorers during the entire phase of his career, he, interestingly, did not do so in his debut ODI game, as he was dismissed for an unfortunate duck against Zimbabwe by Pommie Mbangwa. Notably, in his final ODI, against South Africa, he did not trouble the scorers again, as he was dismissed for another unfortunate duck by Shaun Pollock.
Laxman was known to be a reliable fielder in the slips. Notably, he shares a unique record of claiming the most catches in an ODI series as an outfielder. During the 2003-04 VB series, he claimed 12 catches in the ODI series, as he shared the unique feat with Australia's Allan Border.
The iconic Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata has witnessed a number of historic moments in its tenure. Interestingly, Laxman had a love for performing at this historic venue. While he became the second Indian to score more than 1,000 runs at a venue, he was the first Indian to do so at an average of more than 100 (1,217 runs, average: 110.63).
