Former Indian Test specialist batsman VVS Laxman is set to release his biography titled ‘281 and Beyond’, after unveiling the cover of this book on Friday (November 2). This book has been written by the Hyderabad seasoned sports writer R. Kaushik, who is also a very close friend of Laxman.
Very obviously, the title of the book has been inspired from his one of the best ever innings in international cricket – 281 against Australia at Eden Gardens (Kolkata) in March 2001. Talking about this book, Laxman said that it will honestly reveal his cricketing journey and the various challenges during his career. Laxman also feels that it can inspire the young generation to take up the cricket.
Cover launch – #281AndBeyond https://t.co/mPGnKXCenz pic.twitter.com/0UWWRmhGnX
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 2, 2018
According to Sportstar, Laxman said, “The whole endeavour has been to present my career in such a way that it will help many a young talent get inspired.”
This book has also elaborated his one of the difficult phase when he had to choose to become a doctor or cricketer in the time of 1990 when cricket wasn’t much professional yet and it has also added his parents’ dealing with it.
He said on that, “The role of coaches at the State-level in the early days are the most crucial for any athlete.”
And then Laxman told about the special chapters of this book – where all the relating incidents of that historic 2001 Kolkata Test against Australia have been elaborated.
Laxman said on that, “The book quite naturally has special chapters on the what we all (Indian players) went through from the beginning of the first Test against Steve Waugh-led Aussies in the 2001 Test series at home. How coach John Wright shaped our mindset, made us set goals and, importantly, achieve them.
“Yes, in naming the book around that epic knock of 281 at Eden Gardens in the 2001 Test match was to let everyone relate to that most significant chapter in my journey and also that of Indian cricket in terms of changing the attitude of the whole team thereafter.”
Presenting the book cover of #281AndBeyond. Read the story of my life, on and off the pitch. You may Pre-order now! https://t.co/mPGnKXCenz pic.twitter.com/v73aRGEbWj
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 2, 2018
Making his international cricket debut in 1996, the right-handed batsman played 134 Tests and 86 ODIs till 2012 (last ODI in 2006) where he scored 8,781 runs and 2,338 runs respectively.
Laxman has also mentioned that Eden Gardens is one of his favourite cricket venues and there is also a special chapter on it.
The 44-year-old former Indian cricketer also spoke about the author of this biography as he credited him for his dedication to bringing out this book.
Laxman said, “I must mention that the author, a dear friend of mine, R. Kaushik, has been very flexible along with the publishers in bringing out the book. It is the culmination of teamwork in which I always believed.
“Fortunately, I have been away from controversies in cricket and in life. I think the only one was after my announcement of retirement. So, the effort was never to spice up the book but to also given an insight into Laxman himself, like handling some emotional moments in tough phases, how quickly I learnt.”
