Westland Publications Pvt Ltd announced the acquisition of former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman’s autobiography. The book titled 281 and Beyond will be published in November 2018. Commenting on the process of writing the book, Laxman said, “It was an emotional journey that left me drained at the end of each session. Several incidents that I had all but forgotten suddenly sprang back into memory as I relived my life in great detail. It was hard work, but it was also great fun. I have been honest and frank, and shared the experiences that have made me the person I am. Without revealing dressing-room secrets, I have tried to offer a peek into the psyche of Indian cricket, and some of its most celebrated sons.”
A stylish batsman who could score against any kind of bowling, VVS Laxman played over a hundred Tests to score over 8000 runs. He also played alongside some of India’s greatest — Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and Virendra Sehwag. Cricket fans still remember with awe his game-changing knock of 281 against Australia in 2001 at Eden Gardens. But that innings came after several years of hard work and dedication to the sport, first as a schoolboy playing for local teams and then as a Ranji player for Hyderabad before he broke into the national side.
Commenting on the acquisition, Karthika V K, Publisher, Westland, said, “During his playing years, Laxman was known to keep to himself and stay away from controversy. Which is what makes this telling truly special. It’s a wristy narrative, slashing and graceful, built on experience and a nuanced understanding of the game and his own place in it — just like his batting at its best.” With this acquisition, Westland also launches its new imprint Westland Sport.
