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VVS Laxman Recalls Iconic 2001 Eden Test Partnership with Rahul Dravid

VVS Laxman reflected on the 25th anniversary of his legendary partnership with Rahul Dravid in the 2001 Eden Gardens Test against Australia. India, forced to follow-on, were facing certain defeat before Laxman's 281 and Dravid's 180 staged an incredible turnaround. Their 376-run stand allowed India to post a massive total and bowl Australia out to win the match. Laxman described the partnership as a testament to belief, patience, and resilience.

Key Points: VVS Laxman, Dravid Recall 2001 Eden Test Partnership

  • Historic 376-run partnership
  • India followed on & won
  • Laxman scored 281
  • Dravid scored 180
2 min read

'We chose belief, patience & resilience': VVS recalls iconic partnership with Dravid on 25th anniversary of historic 2021 Eden Test vs Aus

VVS Laxman marks 25 years since his historic 281-run partnership with Rahul Dravid against Australia in the iconic 2001 Eden Gardens Test.

"In a moment when the game looked beyond us we chose belief, patience and resilience. - VVS Laxman"

New Delhi, March 14

VVS Laxman, former India batter and current head of the BCCI Centre of Excellence, reflected on the 25th anniversary of the iconic fourth day of the historic India vs Australia Eden Gardens Test of 2001, a match remembered for producing one of cricket's most extraordinary turnarounds.

On March 14, 2001, India were staring at a crushing defeat on home soil. Having already suffered a heavy loss in the opening Test of the series, the hosts were made to follow on in the second match at the Eden Gardens.

When play began on the fourth morning in Kolkata, the situation looked bleak for India. The scoreboard read 254 for 4 in their second innings, which effectively meant they were still 20 runs behind with six wickets remaining. Australia appeared firmly in control and defeat seemed almost certain.

However, Laxman produced a performance for the ages. Already batting on 109 overnight, the stylish right-hander launched into a masterclass that turned the match on its head. By stumps, he had surged to an incredible 275 not out, scripting what is widely regarded as one of the finest innings in Indian Test history.

At the other end, Dravid played the perfect supporting role. Resuming on just seven runs, he crafted a monumental 155, forming a legendary partnership with Laxman that ultimately changed the course of the Test and secured its place in cricket folklore.

"25 years ago at Eden Gardens Rahul and I shared a partnership that will forever remain special. In a moment when the game looked beyond us we chose belief, patience and resilience. That stand was not just about runs but was about trust, teamwork and fighting for every session. Grateful to have shared that journey with Rahul and to be part of a Test that reminded us all that in cricket comebacks are always possible," Laxman wrote on X while sharing a picture of him and Dravid.

Laxman was eventually dismissed for a magnificent 281, which at the time stood as the highest individual Test score by an Indian batter. His partner at the crease, Dravid, also produced a marathon effort before being run out for 180, after which India declared their second innings at a commanding 657/7.

Set a daunting target, Australia faltered in the fourth innings and were bowled out for just 212. Harbhajan Singh starred with the ball, claiming six wickets to seal a remarkable victory for India.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The ultimate lesson in never giving up. "We chose belief" – such powerful words from VVS. In a time when we often look for quick fixes, this innings is a reminder that true success comes from patience and resilience. A masterclass for life, not just cricket.
R
Rahul R
Respectfully, while this was iconic, we sometimes over-glorify the past. Our current team has achieved far more in terms of consistent overseas wins. That said, the context of beating THAT Australian team from a follow-on was magical. Dravid's 180 was equally crucial, often overshadowed.
S
Sarah B
As an Australian cricket fan living in India now, I have to admit this still hurts! 😄 But what an incredible sporting moment. The sheer audacity of it. Laxman was sublime that day. It's matches like these that make Test cricket the greatest format.
K
Karthik V
The trust they talk about is everything. Laxman had a bad back, Dravid was the wall. They just kept rotating strike, no panic. That's what modern players can learn - it's not always about hitting sixes. Building an innings is an art. Bhajji's hat-trick in the first innings set it up too!
M
Meera T
25 years! Feeling old. But what a glorious day for Indian sport. The whole country came to a standstill. My college canteen TV was surrounded by 100 students. When we won, the celebration was like Diwali had come early! 🎉 Truly a generation-defining victory.

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