An elegant VVS Laxman, who shared undefeated 259-run seventh wicket partnership with Mahendra Singh Dhoni to help India secure a 341-run lead against South Africa in the second Test, feels his skipper is the "most destructive" batsman in the contemporary world.
Laxman, who cracked an unbeaten 143, and Dhoni (132n.o.) helped India amass 643 for six before the hosts declared their first innings on third day at Eden Gardens today.
South Africa had made 296 in their first essay.
"I think, he (Dhoni) is the most destructive batsman in the world at the moment. He is a like an all-rounder and is such destructive as a batsman that put the opposition under pressure," Laxman told reporters after the third day's proceedings.
"You can see the body language of the bowlers whenever Dhoni gets in. They become very defensive in the way they bowl and field. We are really happy that he is coming at number seven and doing the required job," he added.
Laxman, who has produced some of his classy knocks at the Eden, was also impressed with the temperament of his skipper.
"It's also good that he is converting those fifties into big hundreds. It's also good that whenever he gets a hundred, he gets in quick pace. It's great when a number seven batsman comes and destroys the opposition," he said.
"Everyone in our team has specific role. it's important that we play to our strength. We don't try to copy or emulate, that's the beauty of our team which have unique style. But our ultimate aim is to deliver for the team," he added.
Laxman also made special mention of leg-spinner Amit Mishra, who chipped in with valuable 28 as a nightwatchman, and said it was him who brought the momentum back to the side after some quick losses.
"It was crucial in the morning as we had lost three quick wickets on Monday. Mishra really played well and got the momentum back into the side with some of his attacking shots.
"Then my partnership with MS (Dhoni) took the game away from South Africans. I am always happy to take the team out of such tough situation," Laxman, who shared a quick 47-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Mishra, said.
Asked to compare the bowling attacks of Australians and South Africans, Laxman said, "It's very difficult to compare.
Both the attacks were very good. It's always good to get runs under such quality attacks. They have got bowlers who bowl at more than 145 kmph."
Laxman also said that with Eden pitch fast deteriorating, it is encouraging for the Indian spinners as they will get a chance to clinch the match.
"The pitch is definitely deteriorating. There will be lot of assistance to the spinners without doubt. I am sure our quality spinners will able to exploit the condition," Laxman said.
"Any Indian track on the fourth day becomes slow. There is a lot of help for spinners which is really encouraging.
Especially from the far end, there will be help for our spinners," he added.
