BCCI pays tribute to Indian cricket's crisis man, VVS Laxman

The Cricket Board (BCCI) on Saturday paid glowing tribute to VVS Laxman, saying that his stunning knocks in crisis situations shaped the history of Indian cricket.

Laxman, who played many memorable fourth-innings knocks during a glorious 16-year-career, retired from international cricket, leaving a big void in the Indian batting line-up.

Laxman, known for his elegant wristy shots, is the fourth Indian stalwart to retire in recent years after Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid.

"Not many batsmen made batting look as easy as VVS Laxman. He was an exceptional cricketer, who excelled in pressure situations. The classic innings that he essayed in crisis situations shaped the history of Indian cricket, none more so than the 281 against Australia at Kolkata in March 2001," BCCI president N Srinivasan said in a statement.

"If a cricketer's greatness is to be measured in terms of his performances against the best opposition of his time, then Laxman stands right at the top. His record against Australia, the world's no. 1 team for the better part of his career, speaks for itself."

Srinivasan said Laxman will be missed and wished him luck for future.

"Indian cricket lovers, and the game of cricket itself, will miss him for the elegance and grace that he epitomised, on and off the field. On behalf of the BCCI, I would like to wish VVS Laxman all the best for the future," he said.