A look back at the 7 greatest Indian Test innings of the 21st Century

4. VVS Laxman 96 vs South Africa at Durban, 2010

South Africa v India - Second Test: Day 3

India toured the rainbow nation towards the end of 2010 and immediately found themselves on the back foot, having lost the first Test. The second Test in Durban witnessed a ‘Very Very Special’ (VVS) innings and it helped India level the 3-match series.

India scrapped its way to 205 in the 1st innings and got hold of a handy 74 run lead when Harbhajan Singh ripped through South Africa, toppling them for 131.

India was in a spot of bother in its second innings when it was reduced to 48-3 and later to 56-4. India were in danger of undoing all the good work of the first innings till the elegant, right-hander from Hyderabad entered the picture.

VVS Laxman scored a sublime 96 on a Durban wicket that was spitting fire. He batted with the tail and ensured India’s lead crossed the 300-run barrier. His innings was laced with 12 hits to the fence. However, the character displayed by him in such extreme circumstances made the whole world sit up and take notice.

Laxman has long been dubbed ‘the master of the 2nd innings’ and it again came to the fore in Durban. Without a ‘Very Very Special’ (VVS) innings, India would not have been able to achieve a historic win in Kingsmead. Hence, it makes our list at No.4.