The current generation of cricketers are known for showing enthusiasm and emotions on the cricket field. However, that wasn’t the case with a previous lot of Indian cricketers. Players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and others were acknowledged for their calmness on the ground irrespective of the situation of the match.
However, there were some moments when even the above-mentioned starts could not control their sentiments to come out in the open. One such incident is associated with the Hyderabad batsman Laxman. He was known for his wristy flicks and rescue works primarily in the second innings and due to which Laxman earned respect all over of the world. But there was an occasion when even a stature like Laxman lost his cool.
Speaking about the same, India batsman Suresh Raina has revealed one of those instances when Laxman failed to control his anger on the cricket field. The specialist T20 batter recalled the first Test match against Australia in 2010 played at the PCA stadium in Mohali. In that contest, Laxman had frolicked a brilliant inning fighting with back pain to take India to a 1-wicket win over Australia.
“Laxman had a back spasm, so I had to go in as his runner. I had never seen Laxman so angry. He was like ‘Run Ojha Run!’ Before that, Ishant Sharma was there with him. Mitchell Johnson was reversing the ball,” said Raina in a YouTube interview hosted by Aakash Chopra.
Raina stated that he was prepared to do anything to save Laxman’s wicket.
“I was prepared to dive for anything. I had decided that I’ll dive if I have slightest of doubts because Laxman had to stay there,” added Raina.
During the match, India were chasing 216 on the final day and had lost eight wickets with only 124 on board. The hosts needed 92 runs for the victory, and Laxman only had Ishant Sharma and Pragyan Ojha as batting partners.
However, VVS didn’t give up, and from that situation, he built an 81-run partnership with Ishant for the ninth wicket. When the Delhi-born bowler was dismissed, India still required 11 runs to register a memorable win.
Laxman did everything to take his side over the line, and in the attempt, he was seen yelling at Ojha to run for singles in order to retain the strike in every over. In the end, Laxman struck an unbeaten 73 and Ojha remained not out on five as India recorded one of the most breathtaking wins in the nail-biting match.
