By afiur
October 31, 2026
Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman was born in Hyderabad. His elegant batting and remarkable composure earned him the nickname 'Very Very Special'.
Laxman's unforgettable 281 against Australia in 2001 helped India achieve a historic victory after following on. It remains one of cricket's greatest innings.
He scored 8,781 runs in 134 Test matches, including 17 centuries and 56 half-centuries, averaging an impressive 45.97.
Laxman scored 2,434 Test runs against Australia, including six centuries, repeatedly producing match-winning performances against the formidable Australian attack.
After retiring in 2012, Laxman continued serving Indian cricket as a commentator, mentor and Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy.