When the first day of the 4th and final Test between India and Australia began in 2012, it was evident that the Aussies were on the verge of a 4-0 whitewash. After all, MS Dhoni's boys were already 3-0 down in the 4-match series.
But what we did not know as was that this was the last game that two of our stalwarts would play at international level. Yes, we are talking of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. Dravid turned 39 during the course of the series and Laxman was to turn 38 later that year. January 24, 2012, was the first day of their farewell to Test cricket.?
Both failed with the bat in what was a series to forget for them. Of course, nobody knew it at the time, though we did see it coming. They were getting old, the form and reflexes were not like they used to be. Dravid, known for his defence, had been bowled many times during the series and Laxman looked only a shadow of the man who tormented Australia almost at will.?
Dravid announced his retirement the following month in a press conference. Laxman did the same in August before our next Test series which was against New Zealand. And with that, two of our greatest players called it a day. It was the end of an era.?
But the end came way back in January. It was time for the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane to pick up the mantle, which they have done well over the last few years. Nonetheless, the legacy that those two have left is one which is almost impossible to emulate.?
The Wall and a Very Very Special player. They loved batting together and both made their Test debuts the same year as well. Perhaps it was only fitting that they brought the curtains down in the very same match. It was not a happy exit, but in no way does that diminish their contributions to Indian cricket. Rest assured, opposition bowlers rejoiced the day these two called it quits, none more so than those in the Australian team. After all, who can forget Kolkata 2001 and Adelaide 2003? These memories keep the fire of their legacy burning even now.?
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