Sportskeeda's Top 50 Indian Test cricketers of all-time (10-1)

#7 VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman reserved his best for the toughest of situations and hardest of bowling attacks

There are many batsmen who enjoy feasting on sub-par bowling attacks operating on benign pitches and in the process become statisticians' delights. But, when the team really counts upon them to pull them from the trenches, they go missing after being unable to deal with pressure. On the other hand, there are very few batsmen who preserve their best for the most demanding of circumstances against belligerent bowlers. VVS Laxman belonged to the latter category.

In the wake of ML Jaisimha and Mohammad Azharuddin, Laxman's batting had a distinct Hyderabadi flavour to it. From his sublime drives through the off-side to those dexterous whips in the mid-wicket region, the elegant right-hander was the very definition of poetry in motion. Steve Waugh's all-conquering Australian team saw more of that and then some during the epic clash at the iconic Eden Gardens in 2001. Promoted to number three by skipper Sourav Ganguly, he sauntered to a delectable 281 and paved the way for the most famous come-from-behind victory in Test cricket. The triumph not only catapulted the hosts to an incredible 2-1 series win but also played a major role in instilling self-belief in Indian cricket.

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

Each of India's two Test victories on South African soil contained the stamp of Laxman's big-match temperament. As was evidenced by his stirring fourth-innings century at P Sara Oval and invaluable 79-ball 73 in Mohali, he also had the capacity to overcome excruciating physical pain in order to help his country accomplish unforgettable success

Career Span: 1996-2012

Statistics: 8781 runs from 134 matches at an average of 45.97 with 17 centuries and 56 fifties