Good Bye VVS
Retirement brings with it myriad emotions. There is
inevitability, inexorability and of course poignancy.
As each of the four pillars that formed the Fab Four walk
into twilight, one cannot but think of the glory that these gentlemen had
brought to Indian Cricket.
With the exit of Laxman, to many cricket aficionados’ it is
the end of the genteel era. The era of the sports officers lwho were thorough
gentlemen. With Dravid and now Laxman bidding adieu at the same time, there is
a big vacuum in the Indian batting line up that will be very difficult to fill.
Laxman’s stirring displays of batting skills have been well
recorded. His quickfire 167 against the Aussies told the world that there was
another bundle of talent in the country that would quickly gain notice. His 281
was the stuff legends are made of. The greatest knock ever played by an Indian
was also the most joyous sight to behold. It was poetry in motion.
To describe Laxman’s batting you need to dig deep into your
imaginative capabilities. Because, when he is at his best, it is not cricket,
it is art. His batting is like the Taj Mahal, blemishless and serene. For each
ball, Laxman had three different strokes and for each stroke three different
variants. There was no bruteness about any stroke, the sweet transfer of power
from the willow to the leather was more like a gentle caress and the ball sped
away to its goal.
As time took its toll and the magic started waning, Laxman unfurled
another aspect of his wizardry - the
staying prowess. It was no more about the quick- fire 30s with lots of magic
but creating incredible angst amongst his fans . Laxman’s resolute stands with the
tail-enders ensured that we would keep snatching victories from the Jaws of
defeat. This was also the period of India’s ascendancy to the top. One of the
oft missed aspects of Indian cricketing history is the scant recognition given
to Laxman’s exploits in our progress towards the top.
But, it was not Laxman the artist or Laxman the savior that
really stands out. It is Laxman the Gentleman team man. To be playing with the
fear of being dropped for almost 12 of the 16 years of his career, with great dignity
and composure is truly commendable. No
complaints, no political statements – the only motto he followed was “Bat on
regardless”. If there is ever an award instituted in Indian sports for being a
team man, Laxman would certainly be the main contender.
It saddens the heart that one of the great ambassador’s
of Indian sport is retiring an unsung hero.
Maybe, it was pre-ordained, once he was named Laxman! The
script was already set..
Despite immense sacrifices made by Lakshmana and the brave
deeds done by him, we will always know Vamiki’s creation as Ramayana!
It is difficult to accept that Laxman would not be padding
up to face the ball again for India, but, the dignified way in which he has
hung his boots only makes respect for him stronger.
All the best Laxman for the life outside of the Cricket
Field..
