At one point of time Rahul Dravid used to capitalise on Ranji matches for earning a national call-up. Now, he finds himself in a similar situation.
MUMBAI: At one point of time Rahul Dravid used to capitalise on Ranji matches for earning a national call-up. Now, he finds himself in a similar situation. Dravid will again have to broaden his willow, this time against Saurashtra, to remind the selectors that he still deserves a place in the India Test side.
“The cancellation of the Pakistan tour has given me an opportunity to play for Karnataka.” That was his reaction when quizzed at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) on Thursday. In the true sense of the term, Dravid is eager to make use of the chance, though he mentioned that he was just honouring the request made by his State Association.
“I was requested to play this match. I am not playing from a personal point of view. It’s an important game and it’s good to be back playing for Karnataka,” Dravid said after a brief knocking session at the Brabourne Stadium. Despite the presence of rising stars like Robin Uthappa, Cheteswar Pujara, Jaydev Shah and many others, it needs no mention that Dravid will be the cynosure of all eyes.
For the record, the former India captain will play his first first-class match at the Brabourne Stadium and that too at a time when he is being put under scanner. But the man concerned looked absolutely calm and determined ahead of the Saurashtra game but admitted that he will have to gel with the younger lot with whom he hasn’t played much. “We have a young side. I don’t know all of them very well because I have not played with them for long. But hopefully we can put up a good show together,” said the former India skipper.
Dravid, as usual, did make it a point to have a look at the wicket which seemed to have pleased the master batsman. Particularly after having made a comeback in the Tests with a century against England in Mohali, Dravid, it seems, has become hungry for more. Indications were clear that he may turn out in the Duleep Trophy too. “The Duleep Trophy would also be a good preparation for the season ahead,” he said.
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