V.V.S. Laxman was a rare cricketer in many ways.

Sincere, god fearing and humble, the Hyderabadi kept reminding the dressing room of true cricketing value at a time when fancy sunglasses, zinc cream and louder music were on the ascendant. Laxman proved that no amount of drama was a match for performance in the middle.

Indian opener Gautam Gambhir paid rich tribute to his hero. “There is a lot to learn from Laxman. I am not saying this for cricketers alone. His on and off field conduct was impeccable and he will remain a genuine role model for youngsters. We will miss him in the dressing room and so will his countless fans.”

Laxman continued his journey without complaint. Any lesser mortal would have broken down long back. His artistic elegance with the bat concealed his enormous mental strength. Every trip to the crease was used to express creativity and bring about joy to the common fan who continued to trust the tradition of Test cricket.

“Laxman has batted at every position in the batting order. He always put the interest of the team ahead and always performed in the toughest conditions. He was an inspiration to all of us,” added Gambhir.
Some players manage to escape attention. In Laxman’s case it was not by design.

“Laxman was a genuine match winner and easily the most elegant of this generation. I always thought that he did not get his due from critics. What made him special was his humble attitude. To have such a long career without getting involved even in a minor controversy is a tribute to Laxman’s professionalism,” said selection chief Kris Srikkanth.

It was under WV Raman’s captaincy that Laxman made a strong claim for a place in the national side by scoring two hundreds in the Duleep Trophy for South Zone. According to the former Indian opener, Laxman did not change one bit.

“The first day I saw Laxman I knew he was a minimum 70-Tests player. What impressed me apart from his skill with the bat was his easygoing nature. Fame and wealth did not change the person one bit,” noted Raman.

Those who revel the sight of classic batsmanship will sorely miss Laxman. However mid-wicket and mid on specialist fielders will heave a sigh of relief.

Sachin lavishes praise on special friend

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar has said that losing VVS Laxman was a void that can never be fulfilled. Sachin said via twitter, “My dear friend, VVS laxman, one of the best players Indian cricket has seen and I have played with will no longer be with me.”

Sachin and Laxman shared a 353 run partnership against Australia at Sydney in 2004 as India piled up a seven hundred plus score. They have been instrumental in producing some crucial alliances that have seen India through some tough situations.

Sachin described Laxman as a true legend of the game and a thorough gentleman. “It has been an absolute pleasure to share some of my greatest cricketing moments with a true legend of the game and a thorough gentleman,” Sachin said.

Tributes galore

* VVS is one of the finest human beings to have played cricket. One of the main pillars of the team and a true friend - Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag)

* Really sad VVS has retired! I was hoping he would play end of the year ! Nicest human being ever. Someone with a heart of gold. An absolute team man - Yuvraj Singh, (@YUVSTRONG12)

* From carrying his innings to carrying himself, VVS has shown immense class. Will miss you Laxman bhai - Suresh Raina (@ImRaina)

* Laxman u were amazing cricket everyone knows but u were surly the best human being I hv ever met - Harbhajan Singh (@harbhajan_singh)