NEW DELHI: Former India batter VVS Laxman took to social media on Saturday to reminisce about one of the vital unforgettable moments in Indian cricket historical past — the epic 2001 Kolkata Check victory towards Australia. As the enduring win turned 24 this yr, Laxman shared an emotional publish on the platform X, calling it “a victory to cherish for a lifetime.”
Reflecting on the historic triumph, Laxman wrote: “24 years in the past, a victory to cherish for a lifetime, an incredible staff effort and a terrific life instance of by no means ever giving up, how a lot ever unattainable it might appear now. An absolute privilege to have been a component and to contribute on this very particular win.”
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The 2001 Kolkata Check at Eden Gardens is taken into account one of many biggest comebacks in Check cricket historical past. Down 0-1 within the three-Check collection, India discovered themselves in dire straits after being bowled out for 171 in response to Australia’s first-innings whole of 445. Pressured to observe on, India gave the impression to be heading for a crushing defeat.
Nonetheless, what adopted was nothing wanting a miracle. Promoted to No. three within the second innings, Laxman crafted a monumental 281, the best particular person rating by an Indian on the time, turning the sport on its head. Teaming up with Rahul Dravid (180), the duo stitched a record-breaking 376-run partnership for the fifth wicket, batting all the fourth day with out shedding a single wicket.
India ultimately declared at 657/7, setting Australia a frightening goal of 384 runs. Harbhajan Singh, who had taken 7/123 within the first innings — together with the first-ever Check hat-trick by an Indian — struck once more with figures of 6/73, bowling out the Aussies for 212 and sealing a sensational 171-run victory for India.
The victory stays etched in cricketing folklore as a testomony to resilience and by no means giving up, even within the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The win not solely ended Australia’s 16-match profitable streak but additionally marked a turning level for Indian cricket below the management of Sourav Ganguly.
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