VVS Laxman And His Relationship With Eden Gardens Is Nothing Short Of A Love Story

For some batters, a venue is simply owned from the moment they set foot. Between 1996 to 2011, VVS Laxman and Eden Gardens had a similar relationship. It was no less than a love story.

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The man has played 10 Tests at the venue and averages over a hundred. Five centuries have left the crowd gaping in awe as Laxman wielded his magic with the willow.

So here's a look at the knocks which defined this Very Very Special cricketer at Kolkata's Garden of Eden:

1. 95 vs Australia in 1998

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On a day India piled up 633, he laid the foundation with a brilliant innings at the top which helped dent the Australian attack.

2. 59 vs Australia in 2001

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Even as wickets tumbled around him, Laxman stood defiant against the likes of Warne and McGrath and took them head on.

3. 281 vs Australia in 2001

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Following on 274 runs behind, the partnership of 376 with Rahul Dravid tired out the World Champions as no wickets fell on the fourth day. India went on to win the game after following on and Laxman was the toast of the team.

4. 154* vs West Indies in 2002

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With India struggling at 87/4, he joined forces with Sachin Tendulkar to blunt any hopes of a Windies win and the match ended in a draw.

5. 112* vs Pakistan in 2007

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Once again India amassed a 600-plus score and Laxman applied the finishing touches as the Pakistani bowlers were left clueless.

6. 143* vs South Africa in 2010

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After Sehwag and Sachin had done the damage at the top, Laxman and Dhoni continued to pile on the misery. The right-hander from Hyderabad seemed at home as on his favourite turf.

7. 176* vs West Indies in 2011

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In what would be his final innings in Kolkata, Laxman ran riot along with Dhoni and Dravid to finish off the Windies which sealed the deal.

Laxman was Eden's favourite and it made sense why. The man's appetite for big scores at the venue and his consistent run over a period of fifteen years is just amazing. It is no wonder they enjoyed his batting.

The man entertained with his wristy shots. The footwork was impeccable and the bowling was not below par either. The man was Kolkata's honorary son in many ways and the crowd loved him for his manner of runs and humility after it. It is what set him apart from the rest.

A love story indeed. After all, it was this romance with Eden that made him the player he was. A tale to remember and even now after over a decade since his retirement, Eden has not forgotten him. While Sourav Ganguly will always be Eden's favourite as he is the prince of Kolkata, Laxman remains the outsider whom the people of Bengal embraced as one of their own.