Ajuli Tulsyan had a tête-à-tête with VVS Laxman, one of quick wit and a stickler for perfection, the embodiment of everything that is right with Indian Cricket
It is not uncommon to see Indians postpone the most pressing deadlines and assignments, ignore phone calls and skip meals to nervously bite nails for an India- Pakistan cricket match, or any match of the Indian cricket team for that matter.
But how does it feel to be on the other side of the fence, to try and meet the unsurpassable expectations of a nation that breathes lives and dreams cricket? How does it feel to be an Indian cricketer? Do these success icons from the world of cricket dream like us, live like us and commit follies like us? A look at VVS Laxman’s career chart and it is difficult to believe it to be so.
Interacting with VVS, as he is called, was an experience. A perfect gentleman to the core, he has no airs about his achievements and was candid, honest and charming. Life has been miraculously good for him from early childhood until now, as every dream got churned into reality for him. As a kid, like every Indian boy, VVS wanted to represent the country in cricket. Cricket was his passion and playing for India was his most cherished dream.
Both his parents were doctors and VVS idolised them in every way; in fact, one part of him wanted to become a doctor just like them. Turmoil like this is tough for both the child and the parents, especially in India, where the elders usually advise the child to pursue a profession that gives more financial security, rather than one that may or may not bring in a secure lifestyle – which is how cricket was perceived back in those days. It needed a lot of hard work and was considered an unlikely career option during the 1990s.
“I had a privileged upbringing and my parents focused not merely on academics but on overall development and inculcation of good values,” he says, adding how it led to the young boy participating in sports, elocution and drama while being academically sound. “I topped my class in science but somehow my dream rested on the cricket field. My dream was to play for my country,” confides VVS.
The ace cricketer’s parents supported him and when it was a choice between going for his passion rather than making everyone else happy; they asked him to pursue his dreams and follow his heart.
“My parents have always supported me. My dad says: It is not a profession that glorifies you but you that glorifies your profession. I have always followed this rule in my pursuit of perfection and I have succeeded beyond my own expectations,” he says.
VVS also realised that while opting for a career in medicine seemed sensible and a safe bet, it was cricket that would give him happiness. Finally his maternal uncle, Baba Krishna Mohan, spotted the boy’s strength and convinced his parents about his talent on the field. “So my parents decided that I should try for five years and if I was still unsuccessful, I could return to my studies and pursue medicine,” he says.
As we all know, he did not return to academics. Instead, he followed his dream and became one of the best cricketers of his time.
“It was the momentous day in 1996, when I played my first match for India against South Africa in Ahmedabad. I can never forget that day, the feeling of pride, contentment and excitement that coursed through me as I donned the Indian cap,” he reminisces.
VVS may be known for his cricketing skills but among his friends, family and those who know him, he is a man who keeps his word, is honest and considers dishonesty of any kind a turnoff.
And who does it idolise on the pitch? “Sachin Tendulkar is one of the most perfect cricketers in the world and I admire the way he has shown his respect for the sport. He has been honoured globally and his mettle in the sport is worth admiring. Success never got to his head and that is what makes him stand out. He is a true winner,” says Laxman.
Talking about the most memorable match in his life, VVS becomes nostalgic: “2001, Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India’s Test Match against Australia. We struggled for the first three days but came back strongly on the last two days to win a historic match against the Australians by 171 runs. This was a memorable day for each player in the team and boosted our self-confidence.”
Being his humble self, Laxman doesn’t add that he had been in top form during this Test series and had made a whopping 281 runs.
During the course of the conversation, VVS comes across as an extremely disciplined man who strikes a balance between work and home. He had a strict schedule during his cricket days which he religiously followed and he sticks to a regime even after retirement.
“When I was a professional cricket player, my focus was yoga, gym and game practice. I ensured I devote a fixed time to each of these. Retirement has changed my life quite a bit but I still stick to my yoga and gym. My day (9.30 am to 3 pm) is for my work, while the remaining part of the day is only for my wife Sailaja and my kids – seven-year-old son Sarvajit and fiveyear- old daughter Achintya).”
At present, Laxman is working towards realising a special dream — setting up a school for children that would cater to holistic development of the child, in terms of academics, personality development and extracurricular activities. VVS hopes to launch the school sometime next year.
Another mark of a man comfortable with his life and its achievements – no regrets. VVS says, “I would press the re-wind button without a second thought and live it all once again. I am glad I went for my passion and served the country through the sport I love. The Almighty has been more than kind and has bestowed me with the best in every phase. Thanks to Him I could serve my country, have an amazing life partner and two adorable kids. I definitely couldn’t have asked for more.”
VVS’ success mantra: “I follow a simple code to success. Decide what you want to do in life. Once you have an answer, you are on your way to success. Prepare a roadmap to your goal and then focus all your energies to achieve it. Give yourself a deadline and then stick to it. If you follow this, success will be yours.” Spoken like a winner who doesn’t complicate matters.