Very very sound, sober and always special...!

I have read numerous articles about VVS Laxman's classic at Mohali. From greats like Viv Richards to Sunny Gavaskar; columnists like Peter Roebuck to Sambit Bal; from commentators like Harsha Bhogle to Sanjay Manjrekar. The number almost amounted to 40; I kept patiently reading them, sharing them and enjoying the happiness about the player.


At the stroke of 1:37 p.m. on 5th October, 2010; the most uncertain thing certainly happened much to the woes of Punter. Tears kept rolling down (as if I was bearing the pain), office cafeteria became ecstatic, so was I. Such was the impact that the victory made.


There is a reason why I used the word 'sober' in the title. He seems unperturbed by his physical conditions or the situations in the match. And that is what he says, "I enjoy batting under those circumstances". From the land of extremes (I mean it) where he has no backing like Dada has in Kolkata or Sachin has in whole India; he held his head high, he let his bat do the talking and more importantly he backed himself. You can imagine the plight when your own family members overlook your talent.

As a fellow Hyderabadi or an Andhraite, I would like to throw light on a few points about this player which I guess no one has touched upon.


1. Andhra Pradesh rose as an IT hub, thanks mightily to Mr. Ramalinga Raju of Satyam. And thanks to the same person, he put whole of Andhra to a shame.

2. Andhra Pradesh produced Mohd. Azharuddin. It felt proud when he was the most successful captain at his helm. And thanks to the same Ajju Bhai, the pride became a shame.


3. Hyderabad is called a cosmopolitan city. And thanks to the Telangana movement. everyone is saying bye bye to this wonderful jewel in India's crown.


4. Andhra Pradesh was ruled by Chief Ministers who rallied on Telugu's self esteem and also, those who find themselves at the knees of some big guns at Delhi.


I feel ashamed when I think of these things and when the whole world points you with these. And yes, this Very Very Special is also from the same state. Ironically, he also happens to share his birthday with A.P., the state which has seen both the extremes. And this state has never given him back what he has given us. This stands out to show the nature of VVS.If he would have committed one mistake in his life, he would have been blamed, his effigy would have been burnt and what not. And still, he, with the same smile that he gives after conquering Everests, obliges every Indian with his bat, wrists, that back which does not back him when required. And the same state did not pay him back, will never pay him back.


As Harsha Bhogle rightly tweeted, 

Laxman is a solid back page achiever. Not everyone can recognize a diamond.

 And even, my state has not recognized. 

Lets move on;  hope he scores more runs, saves more tests and wins many matches (not awards).


A salute to the true soldier who never expects anything in return. This one is for you VVS!