Saturday, May 20, 2006

The magnificent Rahul Dravid

When a batsman averages 57.79 in Test cricket over 100 matches, it is obvious that he is among the very best the game has seen. Add to that, an average of 40.70 over nearly 300 ODIs, then surely, he is one of the most valuable batsmen in the world.

There are a number of batsmen worldwide whose appetite for runs match that of Rahul Dravid's, but few can match the grace with which Dravid wields his willow. Add to that, most batsmen make runs when the going is easy, but with Dravid, it is the opposite. When the going gets tough, that's when Dravid gets going. He is one of cricket's rare creatures, a batsman who responds to adversity with style and substance. Dravid has also used his deep intelligence in transforming himself from a rigid batsman, to a batsman for all seasons and situations.

Captain Inspirational, Rahul Dravid, merely added to that when he scored a run a ball 105 to lead India to a thrilling victory in the first ODI against the West Indies. As ODI captain, Dravid has been amazing in his consistency, averaging 48 over 40 matches, and has shown an innovative, gambling streak. His manoeuvring of India's powerplays, bowlers and batting order is a breath of fresh air in a game which is becoming increasingly stale. I would not hesitate to call Dravid the best, and the most under rated ODI captain in the world.

In fact, I believe that Rahul Dravid will be the man lifting up the World Cup trophy on April 28, 2007.

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