Simply put, without 281, India wouldn’t be where they are now. He didn't have glam brands representing him. One of the best autobiographies that I have read of a cricketer. Vvs comes across an honest and humble person, which reflects in his thoughts and batting as well. There’s no conclusive evidence to show the bat is on the wrong side of the line, South Africa-England combined T20I team selector, England Test team of the 1990s team selector, Quiz! VVS Laxman’s 281 has been voted the best test innings of the last 50 years. V. V. S. Laxman – short for Vangipurapu Venkata Sai Laxman – is a former Indian cricketer.An aggressive right-hand batsman, Laxman is widely considered one of the best cricket players of the 2000s, despite never being selected for a Cricket World Cup. … Cricket fans still remember with awe his game-changing knock of 281 against Australia in 2001 at Eden Gardens. It is extremely interesting to know his views on his teammates, all whom I deeply admired while growing up. India, however, came out with more fight. Sadagoppan Ramesh and Shiv Sundar Das got starts, although Australia continued to chip away, even as Laxman toiled at one end. Uncapped Indian players to keep an eye on in 2021, South Africa’s Test XI with Kolpak players. Laxman and Dravid batted, and batted, and batted. Laxman’s 281 at Eden Gardens in 2001 has been voted the greatest ever knock. If you haven't been a regular follower I wouldn't recommend the book. Start by marking “281 and Beyond” as Want to Read: Error rating book. After all Sachin's autobiography, which was more of a brain dump and statistical download, hadn't set the bar very high in recent times! VVS Laxman’s iconic 281 is Wisden’s Test innings of the 2000s. He does not hold back recounting those memories, especially specific instances of disagreements with fellow players, coaches etc while at the same time maintaining the great respect he has for them. This book gives an excellent idea on what went into the making of VVS Laxman as an international cricketer. A stylish batsman who could score against any kind of bowling, VVS Laxman played over a hundred Tests to aggregate more than 8,000 runs. Laxman had scored a … Manoj Narayan looks back at the knock, and why it meant so much for India. So it was nice to read about the stuff which is invisible on the ground. Vangipurapu Venkata Sai Laxman commonly known as V.V.S. Stylish batsman VVS Laxman's epic 281 may be part of the cricketing folklore but former India skipper Sourav Ganguly on Wednesday, 12 December, said the knock actually 'saved his career'. Laxman (often VVS, and sometimes as "Very Very Special"), is a former Indian cricketer and currently a cricket commentator. If you enjoyed this story, please share with your fellow cricket fans and team-mates. Despite being a relatively slow runner between the wickets, Laxman compensated with his stroke play and fast scoring. November 19th 2018 Cricket fans still remember with awe his game-changing knock of 281 against Australia in 2001 at Eden Gardens. India were asked to follow on, with Australia clearly intending to close it all out soon and be rid of the early summer heat. Televisions across the country switched to the cricket – they had a reason to now, even though Sachin was not batting – and Indians all over suddenly felt something they hadn’t in a while – belief. The big hope, Sachin Tendulkar (10), and local hero Sourav Ganguly (48) were both sent back, and though Laxman ended that third day with a century, Australia expected to bag No.17 the next day. VVS Laxman 281 (452 balls) India v Australia, 2nd Test Cricket fans still remember with awe his game-changing knock of 281 against Australia in 2001 at Eden Gardens. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. A stylish batsman who could score against any kind of bowling, VVS Laxman played over a hundred Tests to aggregate more than 8,000 runs. Laxman would add just another six runs to his overnight 275 to reach 281 – nobody was complaining. India v Australia, 2nd Test But playing for India was never easy. Adelaide (Australia) (AFP) – Australia and India have been playing Test cricket against each other since 1947 and they renew their rivalry in Adelaide on Thursday. The wristy genius, Laxman was known for exquisite timing and like his role model Mohammed Azharuddin, he too was known for his magical wrist-work. Cricket fans still remember with awe his game-changing knock of 281 against Australia in 2001 at Eden Gardens. He was majorly a tests-only player. After Sachin and Ganguly, it is VVS' turn for a memoir. We’d love your help. But playing for India was never easy. 3.5/5 On the positive side, this book describes Laxman’s life in cricket very well - how his interest was awakened in childhood, the turmoil while making cricket a career vs medicine, the difficulties of settling in the Indian national side, his modest successes and failures in being a limited overs player, his relationships with teammates and above all the onfield game. India completed a remarkable win to form the most iconic moment in their history – it was the catalyst for a braver India. Especially those who have seen the pain of the 90s and the joy of the fab4 era. Out of the blue, Viru told me, ‘Laxman bhai, you had a great opportunity to make a triple hundred in the Kolkata Test, but unfortunately, you didn’t. 'vvs laxman s 281 and beyond bags best autobiography of the may 29th, 2020 - autobiography of the year 281 amp beyond by vvs laxman and r kaushik published by westland sport biography of the year dipa karmakar the small wonder by bishweshwar nandi digvijay singh 8 / 17. Australian bowler Glenn McGrath (L) catches VVS Laxman on the helmet during the Indian batsman’s epic 281 in Kolkata in 2001. Is Ravindra Jadeja now indispensable for India? To be honest, I didn't know much about VVS Laxman apart from his exploits on the cricket field. But trust me, I enjoyed the book, thanks to these factors pushing my expectations almost to the negative. Also, he provided glimpses of his personal life and family. Coming back to the book it was a nice read and I am now confused about which cricket biography to read next Sunny Ji or Steve Ji. The visitors were well on course for their 17th after Steve Waugh’s century helped them post 445 after opting to bat, before they snuffed India out for 171. Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has picked his two all-time favourite innings against high-quality spin bowling and one of those is VVS Laxman’s iconic 281 at the Eden Gardens in 2001. A stylish batsman who could score against any kind of bowling, VVS Laxman played over a hundred Tests to aggregate more than 8,000 runs. There were excited whispers too, of the possibility of Laxman becoming the first Indian to 300 the next day. This guy had played just four ODIs, wasn’t anywhere close to Test selection, and here he was, making the most outrageous of claims. Laxman and Dravid kept Australia out on the field for the entirety of the fourth day. They had no idea what they were in for. I loved watching VVS when he was on song. The heat be damned. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has picked his two all-time favourite innings against high-quality spin bowling and one of those is VVS Laxman’s iconic 281 at the Eden Gardens in 2001. They would keep Australia out on the field the whole day, with Laxman bringing up his double century, and Dravid his own hundred. He barely had any controversies in his name. Name every Test wicket taker in 2020, SA's limited-overs XI with Kolpak players. Ah well, I will focus on finishing the multitudes of books for a long time in the "Currently Reading" first. by Westland Sport. Be the first to ask a question about 281 and Beyond. India's win over the mighty Australians in the Eden Gardens Test 19 years ago is a part of cricketing folklore and so is Laxman's innings of 281. There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Perhaps without Kolkata 2001 they would never have acquired that appetite for a fight, to scrap it out, a feature that defined them in the Noughties. If you are someone who grew up admiring the golden generation of Indian cricket in the 1990s and 2000s, then this book is a must read. He was dropped as often as he was picked, and despite his vast experience and unimpeachable skill, he never made it to a World Cup team. It was a crucial time for the sport in the country, still reeling from the fixing scandal of 2000, attempting to find its feet again with a young squad, nervous and shy, a world away from the boisterous force it is today under Virat Kohli. He is not a rag-to-riches cricketer. Not much on controversy in here, except the Greg Chappel bashing. What will VVS Laxman have to tell in his autobiography? Your legacy as a human being doesn’t depend on the results you produce.”. Vangipurapu Venkata Sai Laxman was born on November 1, 1974 in the then Andhra Pradesh capital of Hyderabad. (Source: Reuters) A panel of cricket writers, authors, historians and broadcasters were put to task to select the best innings since 2000 and they voted for VVS Laxman’s 281 run knock against Australia in 2001 at the Eden Gardens as the best of the lot. VVS narrates his story in a very interactive manner and there was never a moment where I felt bored while reading the book. Find books This was another one in the list of Cricket biographies and after many before including Indians and cricketers outside India, this one is done too, for me, the writing was slightly dry and wasn't enough to hold your attention for long or at least it was the case with me. 1m Followers, 74 Following, 591 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from VVS Laxman (@vvslaxman281) A right-hand batsman known for his elegant stroke play, Laxman played as a middle-order batsman in Test cricket. Laxman limits cricketing advice to the technical knowhow of batting and co-writes a classic (with R.Kaushik) which charts his story from that of a good boy born into a doctors' family to a magician who pulverised the likes of Warne into submission. So it was nice to read about the stuff which is invisible on the g. So after many days of just reading couple of pages and then finishing a chapter I was finally able to finish this book. Bengaluru: The chief architects of one of India’s greatest Test wins, VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid came together here in Bengaluru on Thursday evening to reminisce that historic moment at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens back in 2001. Anne Lamott, the beloved writer of memoirs including Bird by Bird and Traveling Mercies, once said, “You own everything that happened to you.... A stylish batsman who could score against any kind of bowling, VVS Laxman played over a hundred Tests to aggregate more than 8,000 runs. VVS Laxman (281, 200*) VVS Laxman scored his first double ton against Australia in a famous win in Kolkata Test in 2001. Eden Gardens, Kolkata In fact, I also bought the Video CD of high lights of the series and loved watching it in the pre-youtube era. The follow-on was enforced with India in real danger of going 2-0 down in the series before VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) knuckled down in a … There was, sadly, no 300. Sports autobiographies generally tend to be just a recap of a player's career, Sachin's being a great example, which we already know of but are interested in reading their personal views, the tidbits, anecdotes etc. Thanks to Laxman and Rahul Dravid (180), India went on … One of the more refreshingly honest sporting autobiographies, and certainly amongst the better ones penned by an Indian. 281 and beyond : VVS Laxman If ever, any one had to prove the theory that your greatness and your place in history is a function of when and where you were born – the example of VVS Laxman (a fellow Hyderabadi) can come on top of this. Cricket fans still remember with awe his game-changing knock of 281 against Australia in 2001 at Eden Gardens. Perceptions be damned. After Sachin and Ganguly, it is VVS' turn for a memoir. He didn't captain the side. Had 281 not happened, perhaps India would have been stuck in the nineties. Worth a read. Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has picked his two all-time favourite innings against high-quality spin bowling and one of those is VVS Laxman's iconic 281 at the Eden Gardens in 2001. You are what you are as a person. If 167 [at Sydney in 2000] changed the way I viewed cricket, 281 altered the cricket world’s perception of India.”. Laxman was awarded the Padma Shri award, India's fourth highest civilian award from the Government of India in 2011. The side would, over the next few years, secure wins overseas, topple records aplenty, and make India a legitimate force in the sport. Laxman's magnificent 281 and Rahul Dravid's 180 helped India win the Test match by 171 runs after being asked to follow-on. To be honest, I didn’t know what to make of it.”, “imbibe when it eludes you. Refresh and try again. Download books for free. 281 and Beyond | Laxman, VVS [Laxman, VVS] | download | Z-Library. First & foremost the book is only for someone who's deeply interested in cricket and who has followed Indian test cricket over the period of 1994-2012. VVS narrates his story in a very interactive manner and there was never a moment where I felt bored while reading the book. In contrast Laxman's autobiography while recounting the key moments in his career, especially tests given he was more prolific there, also goes at great length in his own inner feelings, his moments of frustration, self doubt, his disagreements, his moments of joy etc. Book gives a very detailed account (~300 pages with small print) of VVS Laxman's cricketing journey from his school days to his retirement from Indian cricket in 2012. By the time the stumps were drawn on that fourth day, Laxman, with Dravid in support, had given India a lead of 315, with 589-4 on board. VVS Laxman is a former Indian cricketer from Hyderabad. VVS Laxman talked about his special partnership with Rahul Dravid in the 2001 Kolkata Test on Star Sports’ show, ‘Kolkata 2001-Dravid & Laxman … I still remember the 281 and the match and so does VVS and every cricket lover. He does not ho. In contrast Laxman's autobiography while recounting the key moments in his career, especially tests given he was more prolific there, also goes at great length in his own inner feelings, his moments of frustration, self doubt, his disagreements, his moments of joy etc. Ganguly's could have been a classic but falls short as he resorts to taking life lessons for aspiring cricketers once in few pages. 281 and beyond : VVS Laxman If ever, any one had to prove the theory that your greatness and your place in history is a function of when and where you were born – the example of VVS Laxman (a fellow Hyderabadi) can come on top of this. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly said his career was saved by VVS Laxman during the famous Eden Gardens Test back in 2001. But playing for India was never easy. Laxman limits cricketing advice to the technical knowhow of batting and co-writes a classic (with R.Kaushik) which charts his story from that of a good boy born into a doctors' family to a magician who pulverised. March 11-15, 2001. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. It’s still hard to believe how it all transpired. It was an evening to remember as Laxman and Dravid walked down the memory lane as the former was in the city to launch his autobiography “281 and Beyond”. Sachin's was a prosaic regurgitation of score-cards and centuries (a century of centuries,at that). Manoj Narayan looks back at the knock, and why it meant so much for India. A stylish batsman who could score against any kind of bowling, VVS Laxman played over a hundred Tests to aggregate more than 8,000 runs. That famous image, of the duo walking back, drenched in sweat with a white, cooling towels around their necks, would be clicked. Here’s an ode to the Hyderabadi legend, from our archives MW Staff 7 min Very Very Special Laxman But playing for India was never easy. Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has picked his two all-time favourite innings against high-quality spin bowling and one of those is VVS Laxman’s iconic 281 at the Eden Gardens in 2001. All in all an enjoyable read, as expressive as his batting. India were trounced in the first Test in Mumbai, which was a record 16th Test win in a row for Australia. They were a fine team at home, yes, but the age-old struggle overseas still plagued them. One of the best autobiographies that I have read of a cricketer. He went to the Little Flower High School, Hyderabad for his r… “It changed our mindset as a team,” Laxman told Wisden India in 2013. “It instilled in us the belief that we must never give up. Welcome back. 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