VVS Laxman turns 45: Top 4 quotes that depict the genius of VVS

Legendary Indian batsman VVS Laxman turned 45 on Friday. One of the greatest Test batsmen of all-time, Laxman's elegance led to him earning immense respect from the cricketing universe. Laxman, who has more than 8500 Test runs, currently stays close to cricket through his endeavours in coaching and commentary. In this article, we take a look at four quotes on VVS Laxman which come close to capturing his genius.

"You did not bowl badly, you just came up against the player who I think is the best batsman of spin bowling that I have seen" - Ian Chappell

Former Australian captain Ian Chappell said these words to Shane Warne after Australia's tour of India in 2001. Warne was convinced that he did not bowl badly and Chappell agreed. Chappell added that it was only because of VVS's brilliant footwork that he was able to combat the spin of Shane Warne.

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"Laxman could potentially play shots on either side of the wicket to any given ball." - Muttiah Muralitharan

Muralitharan was speaking about VVS after his retirement and mentioned how Laxman was one of the hardest batsmen he had to ever bowl to. Murali mentioned how none of his tricks worked against Laxman and he felt like the only time he had a chance of getting him out was at the beginning of his innings. Murali hailed Laxman as one of India's greatest batsmen. The duo currently work together in the IPL for the Sunrisers Hyderabad as coaches.

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"If you get Dravid, great. If you get Sachin, brilliant. But if you get Laxman, it is a miracle." - Steve Waugh

Another former Australian captain, Steve Waugh had made this statement to pace bowling legend Brett Lee once. Lee has hailed Laxman's technique and acknowledged his ability to adapt himself to any kind of delivery. Lee has also mentioned an instance where he missed out on a match because of an injury but his teammates, who bowled to Laxman in that match, told him how it was impossible to get the right-hander out.

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"I enjoyed Laxman's batting from the other end. It was like watching a highlights package." - Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid, a legendary Test batsman himself, was often in awe of VVS's talent when speaking about him in interviews. He had the privilege of watching Laxman play from the non-strikers end in some of his best innings. Dravid has even gone forward to declare Laxman's 281 against Australia in 2001 as the greatest knock that has been played by an Indian batsman in a Test match.

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