The Fab Four

The Fab Four: Laxman, Tendulkar, Dravid, and Ganguly

Let’s step into the golden age of Indian cricket, where four giants—VVS Laxman, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sourav Ganguly—crafted a legacy that redefined the game. From the late 1990s to the 2010s, these maestros turned pitches into stages, their bats weaving tales of artistry, grit, and glory. Laxman’s silken wristwork, Tendulkar’s divine genius, Dravid’s unyielding resolve, and Ganguly’s fiery elegance made India a cricketing superpower. Against the world’s fiercest bowlers, they stood tall, their strokes a symphony of defiance and beauty. Each brought a unique flavor, yet together, they formed the backbone of India’s rise, inspiring a nation to dream big. Join me as we dive into their stories, their battles against pace and spin, their monumental contributions, and their towering place in cricket’s pantheon, where every drive, flick, and cover shot became a verse in India’s cricketing epic.

VVS Laxman
Let’s start with Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman, or ‘Very Very Special’ Laxman, the Hyderabadi artist whose bat painted dreams on dusty pitches. Picture Kolkata, 2001: India reeling at 171 for 6, facing Australia’s mighty attack. Laxman’s 281, a 452-ball epic, wasn’t just a knock; it was a rebellion. “When VVS bats out there, the only thing you can ask yourself is not to get carried away,” said Sachin Tendulkar, capturing his hypnotic grace. His 13,208 Test runs at 45.97, with 17 centuries, were a testament to his clutch brilliance. “His shots are never too powerfully hit nor too weak… they hardly ever catch the ball once it is hit by VVS,” wrote Lalit Kumar, his wristy flicks gliding like butter across silk.

Laxman’s contribution to Indian cricket was transformative. In an era when India shed its underdog tag, he was the crisis specialist. His 281, paired with Rahul Dravid’s 180, turned a follow-on into a historic victory, ending Australia’s 16-match winning streak. “Laxman caressed the ball through gaps, like he was orchestrating a tender kiss,” noted Sportskeeda, his cover drives against Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne a poetic riposte. “His on-side game is comparable to his idol Azharuddin’s, yet he is decidedly more assured on the off side,” wrote ESPNcricinfo, his versatility a painter’s palette. His 167 against Australia in Sydney, 2000, was “a lone symphony in a crumbling lineup,” per Wisden, his 41.4 average against Australia a badge of honor.

Against bowlers like McGrath, Warne, Wasim Akram, and Shoaib Akhtar, Laxman was a sorcerer. In 2003-04 at Adelaide, his 148 against Jason Gillespie’s pace was a masterclass, his flicks off the pads defying physics. “He played Gillespie like a violin, each shot a note of elegance,” wrote The Hindu. Anecdotally, during the 2001 Kolkata Test, Warne, frustrated after Laxman’s lofted cover drives, tossed one wider; Laxman danced down and lofted it again, smiling. “That’s VVS—calm under fire,” Dravid recalled. His 73 not out in Mohali, 2010, against Australia, nursing a bad back, sealed a one-wicket win, his wrists flicking boundaries off Mitchell Johnson. “When he walks in… he brings calm to the whole dressing room,” said Dravid.

Among peers, Laxman was the silent assassin, often overshadowed but never outclassed. “VVS was our trump card, always delivering when it mattered,” said Ganguly. His 2,434 Ranji runs at 67.61 for Hyderabad showed his domestic prowess. His legacy lives in his clutch performances, like the 2008 Perth Test’s 79, outscoring Australia’s top order. “Laxman was India’s crisis poet,” wrote Harsha Bhogle. Off the field, his humility shone; he once spent hours teaching kids at Hyderabad’s maidans, saying, “Cricket’s about joy, not just runs.” His place in history is as India’s maestro of miracles, his silken strokes a timeless sonnet.

Sachin Tendulkar
Next, let’s talk Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, the ‘Little Master,’ whose bat was a wand conjuring magic worldwide. At 16, facing Pakistan’s fearsome pace in 1989, he bled but didn’t buckle. “Tendulkar’s batting is a divine gift, his strokes a blend of genius and grit,” wrote Sunil Gavaskar, his 15,921 Test runs at 53.78, with 51 centuries, rewriting records. His 200 not out against South Africa in 2010 was “a performance so flawless it seemed scripted by gods,” per Wisden.

Tendulkar’s contribution was seismic. He carried India’s hopes for over two decades, his 241 not out against Australia in 2004 a monument of discipline against McGrath and Warne. “Sachin was India’s heartbeat, a batsman who made a billion dream,” said Ravi Shastri. His 146 against South Africa in 1998, facing Allan Donald’s fire, was “a knock of such authority it silenced a hostile crowd,” per The Times of India. His 136 in Chennai, 1999, against Pakistan’s Akram and Waqar Younis, nearly chasing 271, was heroic despite India’s loss. “He played Akram like a chess grandmaster,” wrote Ayaz Memon.

Against bowlers like Donald, Warne, Akhtar, and Muttiah Muralitharan, Tendulkar was a phenomenon. His 155 against Australia in 1998, lofting Warne’s leg-spin, was “a dance of precision and audacity,” per ESPNcricinfo. In 2004, his 194 not out in Multan against Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar saw him duck bouncers, then drive with surgical precision. Anecdotally, during the 1999 Chennai Test, Tendulkar, battling back spasms, hit Saqlain Mushtaq for a six, grimacing but grinning. “That’s Sachin—pain was just a detail,” said Anil Kumble. His 98 against Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup, upper-cutting Akhtar, was a global spectacle.

Among peers, Tendulkar was a deity, compared to Don Bradman. “Sachin was our universe,” said Dravid. His 33,462 first-class runs at 57.25, with 81 centuries, were colossal. His humility was legendary; he once helped a groundsman fix a roller, saying, “Cricket’s a team effort, even off the field.” His place in history is as India’s greatest batsman, the Bharat Ratna recipient who inspired generations. “Tendulkar carried a nation’s dreams,” wrote Ramachandra Guha. His 2011 World Cup triumph was his crowning glory, a fitting finale for a god of cricket.

Rahul Dravid

Enter Rahul Dravid, ‘The Wall,’ whose bat was a fortress of resolve. Picture Adelaide, 2003: India chasing 230 against Australia. Dravid’s 233 and 72 not out, alongside Laxman’s 148, sealed a historic win. “Dravid’s batting was a monument of patience, each shot a brick in an unbreakable wall,” wrote Harsha Bhogle, his 13,288 Test runs at 52.31, with 36 centuries, a testament to his grit. His 180 in Kolkata, 2001, was “a knock of such calm it steadied a storm,” per Wisden.

Dravid’s contribution was foundational. As India’s No. 3, he anchored innings, his 270 against Pakistan in 2004 a 495-ball epic. “Dravid was our spine, holding us together,” said Ganguly. His 461 runs in England, 2002, with three centuries, was “a series where he outshone everyone,” per The Guardian. Against McGrath, Warne, Donald, and Courtney Walsh, Dravid was a rock. His 148 against South Africa in 1997, facing Donald’s pace, saw him drive with classical elegance. “He played Donald like a scholar solving a riddle,” wrote Peter Roebuck.

His unique strength was his adaptability. In 2001 at Eden Gardens, his 376-run stand with Laxman defied Warne’s guile. “Dravid’s footwork was a ballet, neutralizing spin with ease,” noted ESPNcricinfo. Anecdotally, during the 2003 Adelaide Test, McGrath sledged Dravid; he responded with a cover-driven four, staring back silently. “That’s Rahul—let the bat talk,” said Laxman. His 81 in Jamaica, 2006, against Pedro Collins, sealed India’s first series win in the Caribbean in 35 years.

Among peers, Dravid was a statesman, compared to England’s Ken Barrington for his resolve. “Rahul was our anchor,” said Tendulkar. His 7,690 Ranji runs at 55.33 for Karnataka showed his domestic dominance. His place in history is as India’s steadiest hand, later a coach shaping talents like Shubman Gill. “Dravid gave Indian cricket its steel,” wrote Sharda Ugra. His humility shone; he once fixed a junior’s grip, saying, “Technique is your armor.” His legacy is India’s Test resurgence, his 48 centuries a gallery of grit.

Sourav Ganguly
Finally, let’s meet Sourav Chandidas Ganguly, the ‘Prince of Calcutta,’ whose bat wielded fiery elegance. Picture Lord’s, 1996: a debutant Ganguly scoring 131 against England’s pace. “Ganguly’s batting was a blend of flair and fight, his off-side strokes a painter’s brush,” wrote Mihir Bose, his 7,212 Test runs at 42.17, with 16 centuries, a mark of his class. His 183 against Sri Lanka in 1997 was “a knock of such audacity it announced a star,” per Wisden.

Ganguly’s contribution was revolutionary. As captain, he transformed India into a fearless unit, leading them to the 2003 World Cup final. “Ganguly was our warrior, instilling belief,” said Virender Sehwag. His 239 against Pakistan in 2007, a 522-ball marathon, was “a display of such resolve it inspired the team,” per The Indian Express. His 1,463 runs in the 2000-01 Australia series, including 144 at Brisbane, were pivotal. “He played McGrath with a swagger that broke Australia’s aura,” wrote Roebuck.

Against bowlers like Wasim Akram, Shaun Pollock, and Muralitharan, Ganguly was bold. His 136 against South Africa in 1996, facing Pollock’s bounce, saw him loft cover drives with grace. “Ganguly played Pollock like a poet writing under pressure,” noted The Times of India. In 1999, his 99 against Sri Lanka’s Muralitharan was a wristy dance. Anecdotally, during the 2001 Australia series, Warne sledged Ganguly; he responded with a lofted six, grinning. “That’s Dada—fearless,” said Yuvraj Singh.

Among peers, Ganguly was a leader, compared to West Indies’ Clive Lloyd for his charisma. “Sourav was our fire,” said Dravid. His 5,559 first-class runs for Bengal at 44.47 showed his roots. His place in history is as India’s transformative captain, his 21 Test wins a record then. “Ganguly gave Indian cricket its roar,” wrote Bhogle. His legacy lives in India’s aggressive mindset, his off-side artistry a timeless ode.

In Summation

Laxman, Tendulkar, Dravid, and Ganguly—the Fab Four—were India’s cricketing soul, their bats crafting an epic of elegance and defiance. Laxman’s silken wrists turned crises into triumphs, Tendulkar’s genius inspired a billion, Dravid’s resolve anchored dreams, and Ganguly’s fire ignited a revolution. Against the world’s fiercest bowlers, their strokes—Laxman’s flicks, Tendulkar’s drives, Dravid’s defenses, Ganguly’s lofts—wove a legacy of glory. They lifted India from underdogs to champions, their 44,129 combined Test runs a testament to their greatness. From Kolkata’s miracles to World Cup finals, they shaped a nation’s pride. Their names echo in trophies, records, and hearts, their willow’s song a timeless symphony in cricket’s eternal halls.

References

• Tendulkar, S., Playing It My Way, 2014.
• Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, various editions (1998, 2001, 2004, 2010).
• Kumar, L., “VVS Laxman: Very Very Special,” lalitkumar.in, 2010.
• Sportskeeda, “VVS Laxman: The disaster-management specialist,” 2012.
• ESPNcricinfo, “VVS Laxman Profile,” n.d.
• The Hindu, “Laxman’s Adelaide Epic,” 2003.
• Bhogle, H., The Winning Way, 2011.
• Gavaskar, S., Sunny Days, 1976.
• The Indian Express, “Tendulkar’s Chennai Heroics,” 1999.
• Memon, A., Indian Innings, 2022.
• Guha, R., A Corner of a Foreign Field, 2002.
• The Times of India, “Tendulkar’s Multan Mastery,” 2004.
• The Guardian, “Dravid’s England Triumph,” 2002.
• Roebuck, P., Sometimes I Forgot to Laugh, 2004.
• Ugra, S., “Dravid: The Wall of Indian Cricket,” ESPNcricinfo, 2012.
• Bose, M., The Magic of Indian Cricket, 1986.
• The Indian Express, “Ganguly’s Pakistan Marathon,” 2007.
• Sehwag, V., The Virender Sehwag Story, 2016.