Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman are undoubtedly two of the most talented and grittiest batters who have donned the whites for India in the last few decades. The duo have been the reason behind India’s several hard-fought Test victories during their playing days. Their most historic performance came in a home Test against Australia in March 2001. Dravid and Laxman racked up a massive 376-run partnership in the game, which was hosted at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Riding on their contributions, India scripted a roaring comeback in the second innings and ultimately notched a 171-run victory.
On the 23rd anniversary of their monumental stand, Rahul Dravid caught up with his ex-dressing room buddy VVS Laxman. The legendary batters met each other at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and clicked a picture together. Laxman shared the photo on Instagram with a heartwarming note referring to the golden memory of the Kolkata Test.
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“Great to catch up with my partner in crime, 23 years to the day since we batted out the entire day against Australia in Kolkata. Rahul and I went down memory lane, reliving and reminiscing that riveting series! What fun,” a nostalgic VVS Laxman wrote in the caption of his Instagram post.
Looking back at the occasion, India headed to Kolkata after losing the series opener against Australia. The home side made a disastrous start to the second Test. Australia batted first and posted a mammoth 445 runs on the board. In reply, India were bundled out for 171 runs. VVS Laxman was the top-scorer in the first innings, registering 59 off 83 balls.
Following the batting collapse, India were asked to follow on and they once again lost a few early wickets. The hosts were reeling at 232/4 when Rahul Dravid arrived at the crease and joined hands with VVS Laxman on Day 3. The duo wrapped up the day at 254.
Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman appeared in a more dangerous form the next day as they aimed to set a comprehensive target. They survived all three sessions and closed Day 4 at 589/4. Laxman scored 281 off 452 deliveries while Dravid registered 181 as India declared their second innings at 657 runs. Australia surrendered early in front of Harbhajan Singh as they were all-out for 212 runs. The Indian spinner fetched a six-wicket haul.
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