Three Indian cricketers with an exceptional record at Eden Gardens

Mohammad Azharuddin (left) at Eden Gardens.
Mohammad Azharuddin (left) at Eden Gardens.

#2. VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman

Just like Bhajji, VVS Laxman’s international career also saw a stunning revival at Eden Gardens, although he showed glimpses of brilliance at Sydney in the 2000 Test. Laxman scored a fluent 59 in the first innings of the 2001 Kolkata Test, as India crumbled to 171 in response to Australia’s 445. The innings was, however, enough for the Indian think-tank to promote Laxman up to number three as the hosts followed on. Laxman batted at No.6 in the first innings. The moved turned out to be one of the greatest ever in cricket. Laxman terrorised Shane Warne and co en route to an unforgettable 281. The rest, as they say, is history.

Even back in 1998, when Laxman was not an established name in Indian cricket, he made 95 as a makeshift opener in the Test against Australia at Eden as India won by an innings and 219 runs. In two Tests against the Aussies at Kolkata, Laxman amassed 435 runs at an average of 145.

Laxman enjoyed tremendous success against West Indies at Eden Gardens. He made 378 runs in two Tests against them, and was dismissed just once to get an average of 378. In a high-scoring draw in 2002, Laxman made an unbeaten 154 in India’s second innings. Tendulkar was Man of the Match for his second innings 176. In the 2011 Test against the same opponent, Laxman was Man of the Match for his unbeaten 176. India posted 631 for 7 declared batting first as India won by an innings and 15 runs.

Rahul Dravid partnered Laxman during his phenomenal 281
Rahul Dravid partnered Laxman during his phenomenal 281.

In the 2007 Test against Pakistan, Laxman scored a fluent 112 not out. However, his knock was overshadowed by Wasim Jaffer’s double hundred. In the 2010 Test against South Africa, the Very Very Special man of Indian cricket contributed an unbeaten 143 in India’s first-innings total of 643 for 6. India won the Test by an innings and 57 runs.

VVS Laxman’s record at Eden Gardens: 10 Tests, 1,217 runs, 110.63 average, 5 hundreds, 281 highest score.

Sourav Ganguly was India captain in the historic 2001 Test.
Sourav Ganguly was India captain in the historic 2001 Test.

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Edited by S Chowdhury