The story of one VVS Laxman is a story of a man who has maintained dignity, balance and complete class irrespective of what life has thrown at him. ‘Elegance’ is the first word that comes to mind when you think of VVS and his conduct, both on and off the field. There is never a controversy surrounding his cricket and never has he conducted himself in that invites trouble. Laxman brings a charm and simplicity to cricket that is very rare to find in modern day game that is consumed by ultra-professionalism and over-indulgence in exaggerated nationalism and passion.

Watching Laxman bat is like poetry in motion; it is more like a work of art from master where each stroke of the brush flows with effortless ease and a manner that makes you feel that everything is just a “matter of fact”. Then there is the added bonus of shots that only seem to be specialized to suit his game. It is not very often that batsman consistently whip the greatest leg spinner to play the game against turn through mid wicket and sometimes even square on the leg side. That is all the more when you take into account that the ball is taken from outside the off-stump and Laxman is not even to the pitch of it.

Yet, Laxman just makes even that appear like a daily routine. There is never an exaggerated expression or even a visible effort. Everything flows smoothly like a top notch Rolls-Royce. There is not a moment that is a bore when VVS is at the crease and there is nothing in modern game more pleasurable than watching him bat. In a world that is constantly raving about power-hitters like the Pietersens and the Dhonis, Laxman is like a species on the verge of extinction.

The sad part of the VVS story though is the fact that in the famed middle order, he is the one who seems to be the first in line to get the axe. Not so much because the board dislikes him, not because he does not have team support, but because modern media loves controversy- something Laxman is not a part of. Ask any Indian captain and he will tell you what an invaluable asset VVS is to the test side and that is without even taking into account his slip catching. Laxman is perceived as the last impressive of the ‘Fab Four’, not because that is true, but because he does not get involved in politics or has sensational statements to make like many others in Indian cricket.

Sachin Tendulkar is probably an exception to the rule of judging cricketers. As a generation that grew up along with him, idolizing him and even adopting him as a member of every family in the country, it is almost impossible to judge him without a sub-conscious bias. Laxman though is arguably the best of the rest when it comes to pure test match batting skill. The harder the track gets to bat on, the better is Laxman’s contribution to the side. When a man scores 2000 of his 6000 runs and 6 of his 13 test match centuries against the best side of his era (Australia), then it is hard to comprehend why he still needs to prove himself after every two innings.

Unlike a Sourav Ganguly, there is no political backing that Laxman ever received from the top brass of BCCI. Unlike the reaction in Bengal, Hyderabadis don’t take to the streets and burn effigies to help him retain his spot. He also does not indulge in the glamour version of the game (50-50 and 20-20), to have a lasting impression on the majority. Rahul Dravid is probably a more technically sound and resolute batsman in defense, but there is no doubting whom you would much rather watch bat when they are on song. Since 2001 it was Laxman who should have batted at number 3 for India, but somehow seems to have gone back to 6.

Yet, you never hear VVS complain, crib, make sensational statements or even murmur a little note of unhappiness. He just comes back and practices and it has been an incredible privilege over the years to have watched many of those practice sessions in person. Watching him go about in his 3 hour practice sessions at times is also as wonderful as his batting in the middle. There are no nervous mannerisms, no, ungainly shots and never is there a lack of balance- even when he is just at nets.

Today, VVS Laxman turns 34 and there is plenty of cricket left in that flowing willow and those skillful wrists. With Rahul Dravid’s own form being on the slide, it seems that VVS has a more important role to play in the next few years by moving up to that number 3 spot. With Mark Waugh long gone, VVS is the last great elegant artist with the willow- an honor that is unique and an honor that even the great Sachin Tendulkar cannot claim to share!

Happy Birthday VVS Laxman