Who will step into Dravid's shoes?

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New Delhi: The Indian cricket team has landed in Dhaka but even before they took their seats on the flight, national selector Venkatpathy Raju stirred another controversy by naming Virender Sehwag as his choice for vice-captaincy if the need arises. It's an issue that remains unresolved and so what will happen if Dravid can't play?

When Dravid boarded the flight at the Kolkata airport for Dhaka, thankfully, there was no bandage on the nose and it is almost certain that he will lead his troops out on Thursday.

But what if he can't? Who will step in? No one knows and the team management brushes away all concerns.

"He (Dravid) is fit and he will play. We will take care to those ifs if it comes in the way but right now we are all ready. There will be no problems because we are ready and we know who should do the job and who should not do the job," said Ravi Shastri, the manager of the Indian team for the Bangladesh series.

Shastri may not be taking names but national selector Venkatpathy Raju has his preference for the job in Virender Sehwag but then, Sehwag is himself fighting his own battle to retain a place in the One-Day team and earn his Test spot back.

In his favour goes his experience, seniority and the fact that he enjoys the support of the team management, although those virtues don't count for much in the eyes of some experts.

"It is not about the senior or the junior players in a team. The most important thing when you are playing for your country is that, you have to do well for your country and it is not about individuals," said former India captain Kapil Dev.

However, with just three One-Dayers and two Test matches to play, Rahul Dravid may not need to call upon a deputy in Bangladesh but keep your eyes out for just who will do the job in case it does come to that.

(With inputs from Pavitra Sazawal and the Bureau )