“We must say ‘thank you’ to Chappell for giving this title to my son,” Dr V Satyabhama said from Hyderabad on Saturday afternoon.

Chappell has watched Laxman play from the commentary box since 1996. “To us, our son is Very, Very Special because he is very modest and simple. He does not talk much and always respects elders. He prays twice-a-day and has all good qualities,” the retired radiologist added.