Very Very Special! VVS Laxman reveals influence of Bhagavad Gita in his career and values

New Delhi: Known across the world for his wristy style-of-play, humility and special knocks against Australia, VVS Laxman has given India many commendable performances with the bat.

One of his most cherished knock was his magnificent 281-run innings against Australia as India were enforced follow-on.

In one of the most remarkable comebacks of all time, India scored a total of 657 after being given follow on and secured a stunning 171-run victory over the Aussies.

During the on-going test between India and New Zealand at Eden Gardens, Laxman recalled the role of Bhagavad Gita in shaping his career and values.

He said, "Having understood the teachings in the Gita, I derived inspiration from Chapter 12, Bhakti Yoga, which talks, among other things, of doing one's best, surrendering oneself and not worrying about the results of one's actions," he said. "I came to terms with that fact that I could not influence my selection one way or the other, apart from scoring runs and lots of them."

"Those teachings were to remain with me for the rest of my cricketing career, and beyond," he added.

He also described the situation as a teenager where he was stuck between following parents' footsteps in becoming a doctor or chasing his dream of playing cricket for the country. "For any 17-year-old, it is not an easy decision to make, especially when it isn't in your own hands to see your dream come to its logical fruition."

Laxman went on to play 134 Tests to become the fourth highest run-getter for India in this format, only behind the greats Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar.