Dravid looks ahead confidently

By S. Dinakar

COLOMBO, AUG. 11. Ask Rahul Dravid how he manages to adapt to the differing conditions better than most and the answer is quick, ``there is always the motivation to perform well for India. It is quite easy when you play for the country to pick yourself up mentally.''

Then query him about his most cherished goal. Pat comes the reply, ``to be part of a strong and successful Indian team.''

It's this burning desire to waltz on the big stage for the country that has been the force behind Dravid's rise as an outstanding international cricketer.

The Karnataka batsman's purity of technique, rich repertoire of strokes, mental strength and sheer passion for the game have seen him pull the chestnuts out of the fire for India time and again...against any opponent, away or home.

The Hindu caught up with this very special cricketer in Colombo, even as he was packing his bags for the team's next stop on the Sri Lankan tour - Galle.

The topic quickly settles on the Test series against Sri Lanka and the threat from off-spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan. Dravid is forthcoming in his views. ``Murali will be one of the challenges. They have a good seam attack too. It's going to be a very tough series. Always tough in these conditions. It will be very satisfying if we can come through it.''

Will there not be more pressure on him in the absence of Sachin Tendulkar and V.V.S. Laxman? ``There are bound to be injuries with so many matches being played. I don't feel any pressure. Actually, it is also a good opportunity for the youngsters to put their heads down and concentrate. Show strength and character.''

His winning captaincy in two ODIs - on both occasions Sourav Ganguly was suspended for the games - was also well received. ``I've captained Karnataka before. I think Sourav is doing a fine job. I know my responsibilities as vice-captain. If captaincy happens, it happens. It's not been my goal or anything like that.''

He is being modest. India was sliding down the slope rapidly with three successive defeats in the recent Coca-Cola triangular series when Dravid took charge against Sri Lanka in what was a do-or-die battle.

The encounter marked the genesis of India's marvellous fightback in the league, and Dravid's pep talk to the team before the game is believed to have inspired the youngsters. ``The guys have a great attitude. You feel that some of them `belong here.' Some others are finding their feet. The youngsters have to learn to handle the enormous amount of pressure the media puts on them. It is a part of international cricket. Every move of yours is being watched on television.''

He goes on. ``I think coach John (Wright) is doing a fine job. He's allowed the players to develop, evolve, explore, find out more about themselves.''

Dravid's quest for perfection has often meant that he can be extremely self-critical, ``I've always tried to get the best out of my potential. I am hard on myself. In international cricket you got to work your way out and come back strongly.''

And the six-run setback at the hands of Sri Lanka did rankle the vice-captain. ``I felt we were in control till the final overs. I was the senior batsman in the middle. We were just one blow away from victory, we couldn't deliver it. These things happen. You got to accept disappointments that come with your success. Keep fighting. Never give up hope.''

His sensational display in the later half of the magical home series against Australia, and that unforgettable partnership with Laxman at the Eden Gardens, are obviously the high points of his batting over the last six months.

Yet Dravid, given his relentless quest for perfection, is bothered by one particular dismissal. ``I was consistent in Zimbabwe, but maybe it was my second innings dismissal late in the day at Harare that was a huge turning point in the Test.''

For a fleeting moment one can spot a hint of pain on Dravid's visage, but truth to tell, he had only been consumed by a well- directed away going delivery from Andy Blignaut that had both movement and bounce. In other words, he had done little wrong.

And how does he look at his impressive record over the years. ``My Test record is satisfactory. Could have been better in ODIs. There is room for improvement, but I am happy with several of my innings. It's a part of the learning curve.'' This passion to excel is also reflected in his astonishing catching close to the wicket, another area he has really worked on.

Dravid has taken on some of the finest pacemen in business, won famous duels, yet whom would he pick as the best? ``Glenn McGrath, if you are not at the top of your game, you can really be found out by him.'' Well, it's one perfectionist talking about another.

``Cricket is a way of life. I have got used to it,'' he says even as he starts packing his bags. Another destination, another battle, another story to tell. For Rahul Dravid, the journey continues.

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