VVS Laxman Reflects on Historic 2001 Eden Gardens Comeback With Rahul Dravid
Former India batter and current Board of Control for Cricket in India Centre of Excellence head VVS Laxman recently reflected on the anniversary of the historic 2001 Eden Gardens Test against Australia. The match remains one of the most remarkable comeback victories in the history of the sport, defined by a marathon 376-run partnership between Laxman and Rahul Dravid.
The Follow-On and the Fightback
On March 14, 2001, India faced a seemingly insurmountable deficit on home soil. After a heavy defeat in the first Test in Mumbai, the hosts were forced to follow on in the second match in Kolkata. When play began on the fourth morning, India was 254 for 4 in their second innings, still trailing by 20 runs with six wickets remaining. An Australian victory appeared highly probable.
Laxman, resuming on an overnight score of 109, delivered a masterclass that fundamentally altered the match. By stumps on day four, he remained unbeaten on 275. Dravid, who started the day on seven, provided essential support to finish at 155 not out. The duo batted through the entire fourth day without losing a single wicket.
Match Statistics: India vs Australia, 2nd Test (2001)
| Team / Player | Score / Figures |
|---|---|
| Australia 1st Innings | 445 All Out |
| India 1st Innings | 171 All Out |
| India 2nd Innings | 657/7 Declared |
| VVS Laxman | 281 runs (452 balls) |
| Rahul Dravid | 180 runs (353 balls) |
| Australia 2nd Innings | 212 All Out |
| Harbhajan Singh | 13 wickets in match (6/73 in 4th innings) |
A Partnership Built on Trust
Recalling the physical and mental demands of the innings, Laxman highlighted the communication and belief that kept the pair grounded against a formidable Australian bowling attack featuring Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.
“At Eden Gardens Rahul and I shared a partnership that will forever remain special,” Laxman noted in a recent social media post. “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.”
Breaking Records and Securing Victory
Laxman was eventually dismissed for 281, establishing what was then the highest individual Test score by an Indian batter. Dravid’s marathon effort ended via a run-out at 180. India declared their second innings at 657 for 7, setting Australia a target of 384 runs on a deteriorating day-five pitch.
Under immense pressure, the Australian batting order collapsed in the final session. They were bowled out for 212, securing a 171-run victory for India. Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh led the bowling attack, claiming six wickets in the final innings to seal the win. Analysts frequently reference the official scorecard to comprehend the magnitude of the turnaround, a match widely recognized by the International Cricket Council as a defining moment in modern Test cricket.