Even at 70-plus, my love affair with cricket shows no signs of slowing down. The whites still feel like a second skin, and the familiar smell of the leather ball on grass still stirs something deep within. I spend most of my days at a modest coaching camp, guiding young hopefuls in the art of batting, bowling, and—perhaps most importantly—thinking.
While much of the cricketing world today is understandably consumed by the glitz and blitz of the Indian Premier League, I found myself recently drifting into a different lane of memory. Instead of watching for the next big-hitter or mystery spinner, I began reflecting on the greats who shaped Indian cricket with skill, poise, and unmatched elegance. And from this reflection arose a powerful thought I wish to share with today’s generation of cricketers: emulate VVS Laxman.
Style, Grace, and Steel: The Laxman Legacy
There are few sights in cricket more beautiful than VVS Laxman in full flow. His artistry with the bat was something that transcended stats. Yes, he played 134 Tests and scored over 8,500 runs. Yes, he notched up 17 Test centuries. But those are mere numbers. His real magic lay in the way he batted. Effortlessly. Elegantly. And with a mental toughness that could melt the fiercest of bowling attacks.
He wasn’t just a wristy stylist from Hyderabad—he was India’s crisis man. Think Eden Gardens 2001. Think Australia, South Africa, West Indies. Time and again, when the chips were down, Laxman stood tall. Youngsters today must understand: greatness in cricket is not only about averages and strike rates. It is about composure, awareness, and grit. And in all these, Laxman was a giant.
Consistency: The Unsung Virtue
Many youngsters today are obsessed with innovation. The switch hit, the reverse sweep, the ramp—these are all part of the modern game, and I don’t deny their place. But how often do they ask themselves after a net session: how many bad shots did I play today? How many unnecessary risks? How many balls did I leave with purpose?
Consistency doesn’t come from hitting one six every over. It comes from mastering shot selection, reading the bowler, and applying your mind. VVS Laxman did not rely on brute force or flamboyance. He relied on timing, footwork, and patience—traits that are harder to master but infinitely more rewarding. His consistency in Test matches speaks for itself: he remained not out in 25% of his innings, a testament to both his grit and intellect. That kind of consistency also helps boost a batsman’s confidence over time.
\Learning from the Greats
I was lucky to share dressing rooms and conversations with one of India’s earliest cricketing icons, ML Jaisimha. Technically solid and perhaps one of the most elegant players of his time, Jaisimha often told us, “I wear my blinkers when I go out to bat.” What he meant was simple: shut out the noise, the crowd, the expectations—focus only on the next ball.
Sunil Gavaskar followed a similar creed. Another master of technique and temperament, Gavaskar idolised Jaisimha and became India’s first truly professional batsman. Later came Sachin Tendulkar—India’s cricketing deity—whose 100 centuries and unflinching focus remain legendary.
But of all the cricketers I’ve closely observed, Laxman’s genius hit home the hardest. Perhaps it was because I saw his rise up close. Perhaps it was because I knew how the media often underplayed his brilliance. But anyone who loves cricket cannot deny the sheer poetry in his batting.
The Modern Echoes: Tilak, Bumrah, and the Spirit of Learning
It’s not that we don’t have talent today. I see glimpses of Laxman’s temperament in young Tilak Varma. His poise under pressure, especially in the IPL and in domestic cricket, is heartening. If nurtured well, he could become one of the pillars of Indian cricket across formats.
Then there’s Jasprit Bumrah—a fast-bowling phenomenon. His consistency is staggering. His average of 4 wickets per Test match is reminiscent of old-world greats like Sydney Barnes. With 400 wickets in sight, he’s India’s spearhead in every sense. But even for someone as uniquely gifted as Bumrah, I would advise looking at Kapil Dev’s career. India’s greatest all-rounder wasn’t just about numbers. It was about longevity, fitness, and impact. Kapil’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball without frequent injuries is a lesson worth emulating.
Lessons for the Next Generation
To all aspiring cricketers, my message is simple: don’t just chase flair—chase foundation. Don’t just admire power—study poise. Learn to leave the ball. Learn to occupy the crease. Learn to construct an innings like VVS Laxman did.
Watch his 281 against Australia at Eden Gardens. Watch how he made Brett Lee and Shane Warne look ordinary. Watch how he stitched partnerships. And then ask yourself: what made him special? The answer is not one stroke or one stat—it is his mental discipline and technical mastery.
In today’s world of T20 fireworks, we must not forget the timeless values of Test cricket. And if there’s one modern Indian batsman who embodied the purity of the game, it was Laxman.
In Closing: Back to Basics
Cricket is a game of numbers, yes. But more than that, it is a game of discipline, courage, and character. These qualities never go out of fashion. Whether you’re a budding batter or an express pacer, learn from the masters. Learn from the likes of Sachin, Gavaskar, Kapil, and most certainly, from VVS Laxman.
Because while sixes may win you headlines, it’s the calm innings under pressure that win you respect. And in that arena, Laxman reigned supreme.
