But Vangipurappu Venkata Sai Laxman is more than just a mouthful.
It won't fit on scoreboard.
So VVS Laxman it became.
The star Indian batsman prefers to be called Laxman, but those who saw him compile a majestic 281 to help India fight back from a hopeless situation to beat Australia by 171 runs know him as Very Very Special.
His innings frightened a Steve Waugh-led side which was said to have become gun-shy about enforcing any subsequent follow-on opportunity.
Laxman enjoys movie star-like fame in India and an Otago Daily Times employee, who shall remain nameless, ranks him as one of his top 10 personalities, "just below Diego Maradona but ahead of Mahatma Gandhi".
It is a big call, but then he is a special player.
In 102 tests, Laxman has scored 6446 runs at an average of 44.45.
It is an impressive record but not one which places him among the greatest batsmen in history.
It is more the way he plays which has earned him a formidable reputation.
He has been described by Sambit Bal of Cricinfo website as "a sight for the gods" who can match team-mate Sachin Tendulkar for strokeplay.
Those skills will be on display when he makes his Otago debut at the University Oval tomorrow.
He is one of six test players who have been released to play first-class cricket in preparation for the test series against New Zealand which starts later this month.
He plans to use the match to adapt to New Zealand conditions and clock up some time in the middle.
But he also wants to pass on his knowledge to Otago's younger players.
"The main purpose is to get match practice before the test match," Laxman said.
"But No 2 is to share my experiences with the team, especially the youngsters. And also to contribute to the team will be very, very important.
"It is great that New Zealand and Otago cricket gave me the opportunity to play here."
India, arguably the form team in the world, has struggled outside of the subcontinent but is determined to improve its record.
India's last trip to New Zealand was not a happy tour, with the visitors labouring to come to terms with some lively home pitches.
The team lost both tests and the one-day series 5-2.
Its highest one-day total was just 219.
However, this time the Indians have the bowling attack to exploit the conditions and the batting should be easier going with the wickets better prepared.
"The Indian team has been doing really well overseas in the last five or six years. So we want to do well in New Zealand and win the series.
"The important thing will be just getting used to the wickets and getting use to the conditions in New Zealand."
Laxman said former Indian coach and New Zealand opener John Wright had a positive influence on his career and on the Indian team.
"He transformed the mindset of the Indian cricketers and I think he had a huge influence in the way we played, especially when we travelled abroad. He helped take Indian cricket forward during his tenure as coach."
The 34-year-old has not given any thought to retirement or life after cricket.
He wants to concentrate on the test series against New Zealand.
"We want to become the No 1 test-playing nation in world cricket and I want to contribute to achieving that and am not thinking ahead too much."
