When Silk meets Steel

On a sunny March morning back in 2001, things happened.

Things that were barely believable. And we had no inkling whatsover. It was a day when time stood still. It had to. For a certain gent going by the name of V.V.S.Laxman produced something that made everyone's jaws drop in amazement. And it happened on the grandest stage of 'em all,the Eden Gardens.

That amazing day has been well documented by all and sundry but 10 years down the lane, the events that happened then still defy descriptions; rendering the latter obsolete. Humphrey Bogart's immortal line "The stuff that dreams are made of" never sounded more fitting. But more than anything else, the day exemplified all that is best about skill and the human spirit. That was the day when Indian Cricket came of age and the vestiges are still visible today.

Tendulkar may be the template against which all greatness is measured. Sehwag's buccaneering bravado and explosive talent may make the bowling team flinch instinctively. Dravid's technical virtuosity and cultured strokeplay may dampen the most enthusiastic thoroughbred.

But Laxman kills. He kills hopes, kills aspirations, kills chances. And he kills them by almost apologetically pulling out the life support. Laxman's batting may be all silken grace and ethereal charm but it is shrouded in an almost mystic cold-blooded ruthlessness. He rarely hits the ball any more than is necessary for it to reach the ropes. It's a baffling gift that defines his batsmanship for he never "gets his hands dirty". He does his job with minimum fuss and maximum efficiency but it is his modus operandi that stands out.

Not for him the quick single for he is hardly a model athlete. But a top professional assassin handles his weapons with uncommon dexterity that creates an aura of intense familiarity. As any Caribbean Cricket fan would say "Laxman don't need 'em quick singles Maan."

The hands manoeuvre the bat at precisely the right moment when ball hits bat. Minimum movement and maximum balance ensues as the challenge is met. It's a gift that cannot be taught. A gift that is bestowed by the Gods. And Laxman does say his prayers gratefully enough on the Cricket field with reassuring regularity.

Stats are a great indicator for measuring effectiveness. Sometimes, their sheer weight may bestow greatness.

For all that, one has to watch a VVS Laxman Innings to understand the magic which sometimes transcends the concept. He hasn't scored a Ton in the Ol' Blighty as yet.

Knowing the man, he would happily settle for a match-winning 80.