LAXMAN PROFILE

Full Name: Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman
Born: November 1, 1974, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh
Major teams: India, Hyderabad
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm off break

Achievements:His innings of 281 against Australia in 2001 was ranked sixth in Wisden's list of 100 great Test innings in history; Wisden Cricketer of the Year 2002

VVS Laxman made his Test debut against South Africa in 1996. Despite his sublime skills and unquestionable talent, Laxman would probably be remembered as the perennial underachiever of Indian cricket who never did justice to his potential.

When on song, Laxman is a treat to watch as he unleashes delectable strokes all around the ground. Laxman's batting bears a striking resemblance to his role model Mohammad Azharuddin who was renowned for delightful wristy shots on the leg side.

Laxman provided ample glimpse of his awesome talent when he scored a fine 167 in the third Test against Australia in January 2000. Since then Laxman has developed a particular liking to the famed Aussie attack scoring runs almost at will. But it was Laxman's memorable innings of 281 against Australia in 2001 that would remain the watermark of his career. With the Indians staring down the barrel after having to follow on, Laxman went on play an innings of such high caliber that, besides winning the match, virtually changed the complexion of the whole series.

When India toured Australia in 2004-05, the ghost of Laxman resurfaced to haunt the Aussies, the highpoint being the back-from-the-dead, match winning, 300-plus partnership with Kolkata ally Rahul Dravid at Adelaide.

Despite these bravura performances, Laxman hasn't quite managed the consistency that could have turned him into a batting great. Many a time Laxman has thrown away his wicket when he appeared to be set for a big one.