5 instances when VVS Laxman proved to be India’s disaster management specialist

Modified Mar 12, 2017 23:17 IST

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 06: VVS Laxman of India ducks under a short ball during day four of the Second Test Match between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 6, 2012 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) — Laxman has time and again dragged India out of trouble

#2 India vs Australia, Mohali Test, 2010

Although nine years had passed since the Kolkata miracle, the ‘Laxman effect’ was still at its best. He continued to do what he is best at – drag India out of the mire during a crisis.

Unlike the Kolkata Test, Laxman’s job was not to pile up the runs. He had a task to stick around as he watched wickets fall at the other end at regular intervals. It was a perfectly scripted game for the Aussies. India had ended day 4 at 55 for 4 and they still needed 161 runs for a victory.

The Australian pacers started afresh on the final day and India lost another four wickets for 48 runs. First Ishant Sharma shared a partnership of 81 runs with Laxman for the ninth wicket before Pragyan Ojha and Laxman completed one of the greatest comebacks in cricket.

The duo added the required 11 runs and helped India win the match by one wicket.