I don't know. I followed cricket from the 80s and Vengsarkar debuted before I started following things. However, I do not recall that many knocks at least in the fourth innings as I have seen Laxman play. I remember the Lords test in 1986 where Vengsarkar scored an unbeaten century in the first innings and some 30+ in I2 during a successful chase. However, the other two chasing victories I can recall, Vengsarkar did not do very well. Against New Zealand in '76 and against WI in Chennai in '79. In both cases he failed. '84 against England, at Wankhede, India was chasing only 48 and Vengsarkar was not out in the 20s. Maybe I am missing a few?kna wrote:Laxman / Vengsarkar (too tough to call - both have played many crucial knocks for the team)
In matches India won, Vengsarkar scored over 100 runs against Pak at Mumbai in '79. '86 England he was in supreme form. Lords and Leeds wins. Then the two wins against hapless Sri Lanka (who were not much better than Zimbabwe in the 2000s at that time) at home in '86-'87. I think against New Zealand in Bangalore '88, he scored a 75 in I1 whereas Siddhu scored a century and the spinners did NZ in. I think that is about it. For a man who played 116 tests, I think the dossier is a bit thin. I do not remember him as a big match winner. I would take Laxman anyday. Other thoughts? I missed some matches?