VVS Laxman, the former Indian cricketer, reminisced about his legendary partnership with Rahul Dravid during the unforgettable Test match in Kolkata back in 2001. Reflecting on their remarkable run stand, he emphasized that it was built on unwavering belief, patience, and resilience at a time when the match seemed to be slipping away from India.
As they commemorate 25 years since that iconic innings at Eden Gardens, Laxman took to social media to share a nostalgic image with Dravid. He stated, “25 years ago at Eden Gardens, Rahul and I forged a partnership that will always hold a special place in my heart. When the game appeared to be out of reach, we relied on belief, patience, and resilience. This partnership transcended mere runs; it embodied trust, teamwork, and the determination to fight for every session. I am thankful to have experienced this journey with Rahul and to be part of a Test that taught us that comebacks are always within reach in cricket.”
In India’s second innings, opening batsman Shiv Sunder Das was dismissed for 39 runs off 99 balls, featuring seven boundaries. His partner, Sadagoppan Ramesh, contributed 30 runs in 43 balls, hitting six boundaries. Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar scored just 10 runs off 23 balls, while captain Sourav Ganguly managed 48 runs off 81 deliveries, including eight boundaries.
However, it was Laxman and Dravid who truly shone in the second innings. Laxman faced 452 balls to score a staggering 281 runs, including 44 boundaries, while Dravid amassed 180 runs off 353 balls, featuring 20 boundaries. Together, they constructed a phenomenal 376-run partnership, batting throughout Day 4 without losing a wicket and adding 335 runs under the sweltering Kolkata sun.
Their innings were remarkable not just for the runs scored but also for the physical challenges they overcame—Dravid battled a viral fever, while Laxman suffered from severe back spasms. Thanks to their stellar performances, Team India declared at 657 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Australia, in response, was bowled out for 212, granting India a memorable 171-run victory—one of the rare instances in Test history where a team has triumphed after being forced to follow on.