Former Indian Test specialist batsman VVS Laxman’s 281 against Australia at Eden Gardens (Kolkata) in 2001 was one of the best knocks in the Test cricket history. Admitting that fact, Laxman put ahead the 167 runs knock against Australia at Sydney in 2000 as it gave him the confidence in the international cricket.

The Sydney Test century was his first century in the international cricket, while the right-handed batsman hit a total of 23 centuries in the international cricket (17 in Tests and 6 in ODIs). Scoring his first international cricket century and that too in the challenging condition and against one of the best bowling line-ups in the world cricket, it gave him a huge confidence to move further.

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During the release of his autobiography ‘281 and Beyond’ on this Thursday, Laxman said, “281 is definitely a very memorable knock and a match for me, that Kolkata Test match and the series itself. But, 167 gave me the confidence that I can perform at the highest level.

“Because the situation we were in, and the conditions, it was quite challenging condition and also one of the best bowling line-ups in world cricket.

“To go out and get my first Test 100. That was very important for me to realise that I had the potential to perform even at the highest level. So, I think that 100 gave me the confidence that I can take on the best in various conditions and various situations. That turned around my career if I may say.”

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In August 2012, Laxman announced his retirement from the international cricket just ahead of his hometown, Hyderabad Test against New Zealand. Despite getting selected in the national squad, Laxman took retirement from the international cricket before that series. When he was asked about his retirement plan before the hometown Test, he claimed that he has no regret to take that decision.

Laxman said, “But then, retirement or any decision you take, you have to be comfortable with that decision. I felt deep down that it was the right time for me to quit the game and move on. So, I don’t at all regret while a lot of fans still feel very disappointed and disheartened that they did not see me bat for one last time in Hyderabad.”