Former Indian batting legend and current head coach Rahul Dravid reflected on the impact of different captains during his career, recalling the lessons he learned while growing up in the cricketing circuit.
Rising from Karnataka to become a pillar in India’s batting line-up, Dravid established himself as a technically sound batsman who consistently challenged opposition bowlers. During his formative years, one figure who left a strong impression on him was Vakkadai Biksheswaran Chandrasekhar, a domestic stalwart who also represented India in seven ODIs.
“I really enjoyed playing cricket under VB Chandrasekhar. I was at an impressionable age in my career. I learnt a lot playing league cricket under him in Tamil Nadu. I enjoyed the way he went about things, his competitiveness and desire to win. VB was really one of the early captains I enjoyed working with,” Dravid revealed in conversation on Ashwin’s YouTube show, ‘Kutti Stories with Ash’.
Reflections on India’s Skippers
Dravid highlighted how various Indian captains, including MS Dhoni, Sourav Ganguly, and Anil Kumble, left their unique stamp on the team. He emphasised that leadership came with challenges, but each skipper contributed to Indian cricket in different ways.
“I thought Dhoni was really good. At the backend, the way he managed. Not an easy transition for him from being a young man to captain the kind of guy that they were.” Rahul Dravid also praised Ganguly’s clarity and intent to win, as well as Kumble’s straightforward communication style.
“Sourav (Ganguly) in his own way brought a lot to Indian cricket by being clear on wanting to win. Anil (Kumble) was pretty good as well, he was clear with his communication,” he added. These reflections showcased Dravid’s respect for the varied leadership approaches that shaped Indian cricket across eras.
Bowlers Who Tested His Technique
Despite being regarded as one of the most technically complete batsmen, Dravid acknowledged the challenges he faced against some of the greatest bowlers of his time. He fondly recalled his battles with legendary names such as Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Waqar Younis, and many more. However, two names stood out above the rest.
“As a fast bowler, it would be Glenn McGrath. I played Wasim and Waqar towards the backend of their careers; people who played them early on said Wasim was in a different league, and I can imagine. But I played him in the backend of his career, and he was damn good. But I played McGrath at his peak. He was a phenomenal bowler. He challenged me more at the off-stump than anyone did.”
For spin, there was no hesitation in his choice. “As a spinner, it was Muralidaran, the best bowler I played against. Great skill, ability to bowl both ways. Someone who was never tired, bowled long overs and kept at you. He was phenomenal,” Dravid concluded.
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