VVS Laxman: Abracadabra

For Laxman, Bharat ki shaan, the ‘Prestige’ of India

Every magic trick consists of three part, or acts…

Zaheer Khan is snapped by Hauritz ending his half hour vigil. All eyes now move to the dressing room, to see who would come next. They wait with baited breath. Will it be Laxman who had back spasms or will it be Dhoni?

The first part is called the Pledge……the magician shows you something ordinary-A deck of cards, or a bird……or a man.

The entire stadium erupts in joy as out walks VVS Laxman. He walks out with memories of his exploits at the Eden, memories of the recent victory in Premadasa. But this is a fresh day and a fresh challenge. He is glad that he has Sachin for company.

He shows you this object, and pledges to you its utter normality…Perhaps he asks you to inspect it……to see that it is indeed real……unaltered……normal.

Laxman strolls to the crease, adjusts his helmet, stretches himself. There are 4 close-in fielders prying near him. He takes guard with his magic wand – the piece of willow in his hand.

But, of course, it probably isn’t…The second act is called the Turn…The magician takes the ordinary something……and makes it do something extraordinary.

He gets off the mark of his first ball. In the next Hauritz over, he smashes two consecutive boundaries. The chase is very much on.

Now you’re looking for the secret.But you won’t find it…Because of course, you’re not really looking……you don’t really want to know.…you want to be fooled.

Sachin and Laxman erase the deficit slowly but steadily. But Sachin is out. Dhoni and Bhajji follow soon. Laxman still hangs on as he gets some treatment on his back. Bit by bit, with Ishant for company, he crawls towards the target. His body battered, but not relenting. India goes into lunch still needing above 50 runs. The hopes which were quenched have now been furbished.

But you couldn’t clap yet. Because making something disappear isn’t enough… you have to bring it back.That’s why every magic trick has a third act. The hardest part..,

Pulling, flicking, driving, Laxman gets India within striking distance, and then there is another twist in the tale. Ojha replaces Ishant as a billion people watch in anticipation.

…the part we call……The Prestige.

Laxman exults in joy as the winning runs are scored.