On this day in 2001, two of the best Indian batsmen in cricket history – Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman – created a historic, orchestrating 376-run partnership, completing a historic comeback against Australia at the iconic Eden Gardens stadium. Even today, stories of the bat duo’s exploits are celebrated in every nook and cranny of the country. On the 22nd anniversary of the occasion, former Indian cricketer Hemang Badani shared an unheard story from the match that sums up how great Laxman and Dravid’s comeback was.
Dravid and Laxman took the field on 14 March 2001, with India’s score of 254/9 against Australia. The duo remained undefeated throughout the day as India’s score on stumps was 589/4.
Laxman eventually totaled 281 runs off 452 balls, while Dravid contributed 180 runs off 353 balls.
VVS Laxman played the Miracle of Eden Gardens on this day in 2001.
After 274 runs against the Mighty Australia, Laxman scored 281 runs, well supported by Dravid with 180 runs – An all-time great innings in Test history. pic.twitter.com/CQsMp1W6T5
— Jans. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 14, 2023
Badani revealed on Twitter that no comeback from the Indian team was expected, hence their bags were packed and sent to the airport.
“Not many people know that at the end of Day 3 we packed our bags, they would be taken straight to the airport and the team would go straight to the airport from the ground. And then these two batted like magicians without taking a wicket lose all day.
“When we got back to the hotel we didn’t have our bags and were stuck with our race gear and tracks until about 9pm. Many of us ate at the hotel restaurant in our white clothes,” Badani revealed on Twitter.
Not many people know that at the end of day 3 we packed our bags, they would be taken straight to the airport and the team would go straight to the airport from the ground. And then these two batted like magicians without losing a wicket all day… continued https://t.co/jTyuUTD4o9
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) March 14, 2023
When we got back to the hotel we didn’t have our bags and were stuck with our race gear and tracks until about 9pm. Many of us ate at the hotel restaurant in our whites.#INDvsAUS #laxman #dravid #BCCI
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) March 14, 2023
Australia had forced a follow-up on the Indian team. Despite this, the hosts beat the tourists by 171 points in the game.
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