Former Team India cricketer VVS Laxman recollected the memories of his iconic partnership with Rahul Dravid during the historic Kolkata Test match in 2001. Speaking about the run stand, he said that it was built on belief, patience and resilience when the game seemed to slip away from India.
Marking the 25 years of the unforgettable innings at Eden Gardens, Laxman shared an image along with Dravid on his official social media handle.
“25 years ago at Eden Gardens, Rahul and I shared a partnership that will forever remain special. In a moment when the game looked beyond us we chose belief, patience and resilience. That stand was not just about runs but was about trust, teamwork and fighting for every session. Grateful to have shared that journey with Rahul and to be part of a Test that reminded us all that in cricket comebacks are always possible,” he wrote.
25 years ago at Eden Gardens Rahul and I shared a partnership that will forever remain special. In a moment when the game looked beyond us we chose belief, patience and resilience. That stand was not just about runs but was about trust, teamwork and fighting for every session.… pic.twitter.com/KHlge77Q1g
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 14, 2026
In India`s second innings, opening batsman Shiv Sunder Das departed on 39 runs in 99 balls, including seven boundaries. Fellow opening batsman Sadagoppan Ramesh smashed 30 runs in 43 balls, with the help of six boundaries.
Legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed on 10 runs off 23 balls, which included two boundaries. Skipper Sourav Ganguly returned to the pavilion on 48 runs off 81 deliveries, laced with eight boundaries.
Laxman and Dravid played a crucial role in the second innings. Facing 452 balls, Laxman garnered 281 runs, including 44 boundaries, whereas Dravid registered 180 runs after facing 353 balls, including 20 boundaries.
The duo stitched together a monumental 376-run partnership. On Day 4 alone, the pair batted through the entire day without losing a wicket, adding 335 runs in oppressive Kolkata heat.
Their innings stood out, considering the physical challenges both batsmen faced. Dravid showcased his masterful strokes while battling a viral fever, and Laxman endured severe back spasms.
Riding on their performances, Team India declared on 657 runs for the loss of seven wickets.
Australia were eventually bowled out for 212, handing India a famous 171-run victory, one of only a handful of occasions in Test history where a team has won after being forced to follow on.
(With ANI Inputs)
