Vangipurapu Venkata Sai Laxman is an Indian cricketer then and now a commentator, known for playing 100 test matches without tossing for any ODI. Born on 1st November, 1974 in Hyderabad. He played his first test match with South Africa in Ahmedabad on 20th November 1996 and ODI in Cuttack on 9th April, 1998 against Zimbabwe. 

Playing style

VVS Laxman playing cricket

Laxman has an aggressive mode while on the field playing right-handed strokes. Though he plays aggressively, his techniques are sound, and the bat swings like a fluid. He played for Deccan Chargers, Hyderabad, and Kochi Tuskers Kerala. He loves to play against Australia.

Early Life

Laxman made his debut in Ranji Trophy against Punjab for Hyderabad in 1992-93. Though he didn’t play well, he appeared in the South – zone for Duleep Trophy in 1994-95.  Before being recognized in 2001 for scoring 281 runs against Australia at Eden garden, Laxman was selected in Under-19 against India vs Australia in February 1994. He scored 151 runs in the first innings and 77 in the second. Though that was a fairly good score. Though he failed several times, he still decided to continue in cricket instead of giving up. Then he went ahead with Test series and ODI. 

Personal life

Laxman was born to Dr. V Shantaram and Dr. V Satyabhama (both physicians) in Hyderabad. He has a brother named VVS Ramakrishna. He went schooling in Little Flower High School, Hyderabad. Even though he chose cricket as his career but has an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Teri University, New Delhi.  Other than cricket, he liked playing badminton and squash. Everyone called him Lachu Bhai at that time. Later, he got married to G.R Sailaja in 2004. Now they have a daughter, Achinthya Laxman and a son, Sarvajit Laxman.  

Laxman’s Records

  • By far his best performance in the past fifty years was against Australia, in 2001 of 281 runs.
  • Out of the handful of people who scored 3 centuries in a single ODI, he is one of them.
  • Being a non – wicket-keeper, he owns a record for catching 12 catches in one ODI.
  • The partnership of 376 runs that he has with Rahul Dravid in the 3rd inning of a test match is a goal in itself. 
  • He is counted among the few cricketers who scored more than 1000 runs (1217 runs) at Eden Garden.

Awards and Honors

  • Arjuna Award for Cricket in 2001
  • Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2002
  • Padma Shri

Some lesser-known facts

  • Laxman is the great grand-nephew of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s second President.
  • Apart from his parents who contributed to the rollercoaster ride of his career, his Uncle, Baba Krishna Mohan has done a lot too.
  • He scored his first century after 3 years of hard work. 
  • Brett Lee and Laxman played against each other in their debut at Under-19 International Cricket Game.
  • Even after so many struggles, he couldn’t make it to the World Cup Match.