As India commemorate the Silver Jubilee of their famous Test win against Australia, VVS Laxman (59 and 281), the architect of that historic victory - widely regarded as one of the greatest Tests in history - looks back at what unfolded at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata this week 25 years ago.

Excerpts from the interview:

How do you look back at the Test, 25 years on?

When I look back after 25 years, it still feels a little surreal. That Test was more than just a match; it became a powerful reminder of what belief and resilience can achieve. We were following on against arguably the best team in the world, led by Steve Waugh, and very few people gave us a chance. But when I think about it today, it feels less like an individual innings and more like a story of collective belief. It showed what can happen when a team refuses to give up, no matter how difficult the situation may seem. For me personally, that Test reinforced a very simple truth that in sport and in life if you stay present, keep believing and keep fighting, extraordinary comebacks are always possible.

What does it take to score 281 in such trying circumstances?

It takes patience, belief, and the willingness to stay committed to the moment. When I walked out to bat, the situation was extremely challenging, but I reminded myself not to think too far ahead. The focus was simply to fight through each ball, each spell, and each session. I never walked out thinking about scoring 281. The goal was to stay there, to compete, and to keep believing even when the odds seemed against us. Facing bowlers of the calibre of (Glenn) McGrath, (Shane) Warne, (Jason) Gillespie and (Michael) Kasprowicz meant every run had to be earned and every moment demanded concentration and courage. That innings taught me that when you refuse to give up and keep pushing forward, even the most difficult situations can transform into something extraordinary.

How much did it change the psyche of Indian cricket collectively and individually among the players?

It had a profound impact on the mindset of our team. Until then, teams like Australia often felt almost unbeatable once they gained momentum. That Test showed us that no situation in cricket is truly hopeless if you stay patient and keep competing. What it really did was build a deep sense of belief within the group. Coming back from a follow-on against a side of that quality and winning the match left a lasting imprint on every player in that dressing room. From that point onward, whenever we faced pressure in future matches, we had a powerful reference point of already experiencing something far more difficult and found a way to come out on top.

Individually, as well it had a big impact. Players began to trust their ability to perform under pressure and to stay patient in tough situations. It created a mindset where resilience, belief, and the willingness to fight for every session became central to the identity of Indian cricket. In many ways, that Test didn't just change the result of a series but it changed how we as Indian cricketers saw ourselves.