If the Dilip Sardesai Memorial Cricket lecture is a well-attended event, it has as much to do with his cricketing achievements as the memories his comrades, his maidan mates have shared with him
VVS Laxman
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If the Dilip Sardesai Memorial Cricket lecture is a well-attended event, it has as much to do with his cricketing achievements as the memories his comrades, his maidan mates have shared with him.
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Test cricketers of that era played a lot of club cricket and the camaraderie they shared with the club cricketer was a bond that had a very robust adhesive. There was a feeling 'he's one of us' even though the achievements on the park varied from player to player.
This year, Dilip will be watching, from the heavens, another favourite batsman of his VVS Laxman speak at his memorial lecture.
VVS, a true gentleman
Laxman is an affable, gentleman. The poise, grace and dignity in the way he conducts himself is much like the way he played the game.
In that sense, Laxman is a traditionalist that the older generation would connect with - an inner aggression that was controlled not to give away anything visually. An aggressive desire to bat and catch with skill and class. Modern-day cricketers may find it a reticent approach of playing the game but that is a matter of debate for another day.
The results produced by Laxman are only there for all to see and admire. There is a calm and freshness about the look on his face. It comes from a 'no regrets, no angst' attitude. He has often talked about destiny and a superpower that has the remote control. Laxman is from that tribe. He came, saw, conquered with dignity and walked away from the centrestage with even more class and dignity (an untold story that will never be documented, knowing Laxman).
Remember Kolkata?
His epic series-saving and winning from there on innings in Kolkata will surely be discussed. His love for a vocally aggressive, accomplished bowling attack will certainly raise a few interrogations from cricket lovers. He will, I'm sure, play these questions, with the deft class of a Hyderabad genius who played late and artistically specially off his legs and hips. Dilip has watched VVS sitting in the verandah of the CCI in the mandatory overs of his life.
It was never surprising to hear him shout out an 'aila', a Mumbai cricketing expression of admiration and surprise rolled in one. Laxman speaking at at the CCI may just make the affable, much-loved Dilip shout out aloud 'speaks as well as he batted… this boy is good."
Shishir Hattangadi is former Mumbai Ranji Trophy captain
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