Indian cricket fact-check: How many runs did V. V. S. Laxman score on his One Day International (ODI) debut for India?

Introduction / Context:
V. V. S. Laxman is renowned for his Test artistry, yet his ODI journey began modestly. This question checks precise recall of a debut detail, which often appears in government exam sports sections and cricket quizzes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Player: V. V. S. Laxman.
• Match type: ODI debut for India.
• Opponent and venue historically associated with 9 April 1998, Cuttack (Pepsi Tri-Series).

Concept / Approach:
Debut statistics are fixed historical facts. The solution requires remembering the debut score rather than performing computation. Context: despite a lean start in ODIs, Laxman evolved into a dependable limited-overs batter and a modern Test great.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify ODI debut date = 9 April 1998.Step 2: Identify opponent = Zimbabwe; venue = Cuttack.Step 3: Scorecard memory shows Laxman was dismissed leg-before for zero.Step 4: Hence, debut runs = 0.

Verification / Alternative check:
Match reports from the 1998 Pepsi Tri-Series state that India won the game as Azharuddin and Jadeja hit centuries, while Laxman registered a duck. This consistent secondary confirmation corroborates the zero.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 100 and 99: Milestone scores; Laxman's first ODI hundred came later, not on debut.
• 1: Tempting as a 'modest' debut, but records show a duck, not a single.

Common Pitfalls:
Mixing up Test and ODI debuts, or confusing Laxman with players who scored a century on debut. Another error is recalling the same match's other Indian centuries and assuming everyone scored big.

Final Answer:
0