Dravid an icon of Test cricket: Srinath
Posted on Mar 29, 2008 at 19:45 | Updated Mar 29, 2008 at 19:52
2 Comments
New Delhi: For a perspective on Rahul Dravid's feat CNN-IBN was joined by a childhood friend and a former team-mate of his in the Karnataka and India dressing rooms, Javagal Srinath.
CNN-IBN: Thanks for joining us. Let's begin by asking you for your first reaction to Dravid's latest high.
Javagal Srinath: I'm pleased, but the point is that it was not a surprise for me. I think the way he is batting and the attitude he continues to possess is something with which he might score probably 14 to 15 thousand runs. I'm really glad for him today, and it's a milestone which he would really enjoy.
CNN-IBN: But do you think Dravid is unlucky in the sense that he has been born in the wrong era, because his achievements have been overshadowed as he has played at the same time as the likes of Tendulkar and other modern greats?
Javagal Srinath: There has been a bit of a coincidence. Whenever Rahul does well, either Sachin (Tedulkar) or Sourav (Ganguly) would always steal the limelight. I can remember, usually in the one-dayers, for Test matches I can vouch that Rahul has played some better Test innings than the other two on most of the occassions, but in the one-dayers, yes.
With Rahul his real charisma has been overshadowed by the one-dayers. But a real ardent Test fan would really appreciate 10,000 runs, and it is very difficult to get 10,000 runs. That hard work has paid for him.
CNN-IBN: What about the mental process Dravid follows while batting? Has it changed at all over the years that you have known him?
Javagal Srinath: I thought he changed a bit when he was the captain. But otherwise I think he is a perfect gentleman, he has maintained his composure throughout his career. I still feel he has another good 3-4 years of Test matches left in him. And it's wonderful, somebody whom you have seen growing alongside with you.
I have seen him right from his Under-19 days, played Ranji Trophy together, and today he stands tall with 10,000 runs in the pocket. So my hearty congratulations for Rahul and I hope he continues the good work.
CNN-IBN: One of the striking things about Dravid is how incredibly modest he is about what he has achieved in the game. Do you feel he realises his own greatness?
Javagal Srinath: As I said earlier, I feel he is the No. 1 batsman in Test match cricket in the side. Given any adverse conditions, he was the one to really count upon. Maybe in the one-dayers, he was not the best at the backdrop of Sachin or Sourav Ganguly.
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Total Comments: 2
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Posted By cricket judge
Srinath, your comment is valid and fanastic. Barring his captaincy, Dravid is a real cricketer and my congrats for him.
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Posted By vinod
Dravid was good a few years back. In fact he was called Mr. Consistent since he always scored runs and
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