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Updated on January 15th 2025, 7:28:56 pm

Top 5 Best innings of VVS Laxman

By Harsh Chopra

VVS Laxman played 134 Test Matches for India in his career and scored 8781 Test runs at a very good average of 45.97. Take a look here at his top 5 best VVS Laxman innings.

Key Takeaways

VVS Laxman: The dependable middle-order batter, known for excelling against Australia.
Test Career: 8,781 runs, 17 centuries, including the iconic 281 vs Australia in 2001.
ODI Career: 2,336 runs with 6 centuries, highlighted by a match-winning 107 vs Pakistan in 2004.
Specialist Against Australia: Many of his greatest performances came against the dominant Australian side of his era.

VVS Laxman, renowned for his artistry and composure under pressure, defined India’s middle order during his cricketing career. His masterful performances, especially against Australia, remain etched in cricketing folklore. We will talk about his Records below.

VVS Laxman played 134 Test Matches for India in his career which is among the highest and in those Matches he scored 8781 Test runs at a very good average of 45.97 and he got 17 Test match Hundreds in his glorious career. He also played ODI cricket as well and in the 86 ODI Matches he played for India he scored 2336 runs at an average of 30.76 and he got 6 ODI hundreds to his name. Let’s look at the Top 5 Best VVS Laxman Innings.

What are VVS Laxman's best innings?

VVS Laxman’s best innings include his legendary 281 vs Australia in 2001, 167 vs Australia in 2000, 148 vs Australia in 2004, 124 vs New Zealand in 2009, and 107 vs Pakistan in 2004.

Top 5 best innings of VVS Laxman

281 vs Australia (2001)

VVS Laxman's monumental 281 against Australia at Eden Gardens in 2001 is not just his greatest innings but arguably the finest knock in Indian Test cricket history. Coming under immense pressure, India were forced to follow on after being bowled out for 171 in reply to Australia’s 445. With defeat looming, Laxman produced a performance for the ages. Batting for nearly two days, he faced 452 balls and struck a staggering 44 boundaries, dismantling one of the finest bowling attacks in the world comprising Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, and others.

Laxman’s resilience and elegance underlined this match-defining innings. His partnership with Rahul Dravid (who also scored 180) turned the game around, as India posted a mammoth second-innings total of 657/7 declared. The effort not only set up one of the most famous comebacks in cricket history but also earned India a remarkable 171-run victory. Laxman’s artistry and mental strength that day immortalized him as a legend, and this knock remains the benchmark for grit and brilliance in Indian cricket lore.

167 vs Australia (2000)

Even though India lost this match badly it was this innings that gave VVS Laxman the confidence that he belonged at this stage and it is one of his best ever knocks because no other Indian batter could stick around against such hostile bowling. India were bowled out only for 150 in the first innings and in reply Australia posted a mammoth 552 runs and in the third Innings it was VVS Laxman who faced only 196 balls for his 167 and one hit 27 fours and struck at a strike rate of over 84. Truly a remarkable batting performance.

148 vs Australia (2004)

VVS Laxman’s 148 at Adelaide in 2003-2004 was a crucial knock in India’s victory. Batting in the first innings, he faced 282 balls, hitting 18 fours. His partnership with Rahul Dravid was vital, providing the stability India needed against a strong Australian attack. Laxman’s performance was key to India’s success in that match and remains one of his best overseas innings.

124* vs New Zealand (2009)

VVS Laxman’s 124 against New Zealand in 2009 was a match-saving knock. India were under pressure, and Laxman provided crucial support to Gautam Gambhir. Batting for 212 balls, Laxman hit 25 fours, with 100 of his 124 runs coming in boundaries. His composed innings helped India save the test match, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

107 vs Pakistan (2004)

VVS Laxman’s 107 against Pakistan in 2004 stands out as his best ODI performance. Facing a potent bowling attack led by Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami, Laxman scored a match-winning 107 off 104 balls. His 11 fours and a strike rate of 102.88 helped India secure a 40-run victory. This innings remains one of his most memorable in ODIs.