Published 20:22 IST, October 28th 2019
Sourav Ganguly & VVS Laxman: The duo's vital partnerships in Tests
Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman have been involved in memorable partnerships and always contributed to the team's success; we look at their best partnerships
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Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman have been part of Team India's many memorable victories. From the famous Test match in Kolkata (2001) to winning the Natwest series final at Lords, the dynamic duo has always contributed to the team's success.
As Ganguly recent became the BCCI President, Laxman was amongst the biggest names in the game to congratulate him wholeheartedly and paid tribute to him by calling Ganguly 'the best captain he has played under' according to a report by a leading Indian daily.
The duo has also been involved in memorable partnerships although with different players in the team that helped resurrect the Indian ship on many occasions after the top order collapsed. Here are some of those -
VVS Laxman iconic partnerships
VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid - 376 (Kolkata, 2001)
18 years ago #OnThisDay ,I had the good fortune of playing my part in a memorable Test match victory against Australia at the Eden Gardens. Was a complete team effort, and a test match victory I am very proud to have been a part of. pic.twitter.com/bAg9xUe3oK
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 14, 2019
The 2001 Eden Gardens Test is a match that many cricket lovers would watch again and again.
Laxman and Dravid paired up to script a brilliant comeback for India with their 376-run fifth-wicket stand in the second innings against Australia during the second Test. Laxman scored his best-ever 281 runs while Dravid contributed 180 crucial runs to lift India from 254/4 to 589/4 after following on.
VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar- 353 (Sydney, 2004)
The four-match series was tied at 1-1. Opting to bat in the final Test, India were 194 for three when VVS Laxman joined Sachin Tendulkar. Both batsmen got their hundreds and then went onto put up a 300-run stand. Laxman was bowled by Jason Gillespie for 178.
Sourav Ganguly iconic partnerships
Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar- 255 (Trent Bridge,1996)
The final Test of the series saw Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly scored centuries each and also share a 255-run partnership for the third wicket. This was India’s highest partnership in an overseas Test match back then against any country and for any wicket. Ganguly scored 136 in the first innings and was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ for his brilliant all-round performance in the match.
Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly – 249 (Leeds - 2002)
Tendulkar and Ganguly once put on an iconic partnership in the third test at Leeds while touring England in 2002. Ganguly and Tendulkar put on a 249-run stand for the fourth wicket on the second day of the Test match. After being patient at the start of their respective innings, they dominated the English attack once they settled down at the crease. Their partnership of 249 helped India reach a mammoth total of 628.
Tendulkar scored 193 while Ganguly made 128. Eventually, India won the game by an innings and 46 runs to square the series 1-1.
20:05 IST, October 28th 2019