A decade of Test cricket, Dravid says it was not a perfect 10

By Staff
|
Google Oneindia News

St Kitts, June 21 (UNI) From a greenhorn to Team India leader, Rahul Dravid has come a long way since his 1996 debut in the Lord's and though it was not exactly a perfect 10 for him, the stylish right-hander said he thoroughly enjoyed the game over the period.

'You rarely find perfect scenarios... there are no perfect 10s.

You have keep improving with each match and handle pressure,'' Dravid said in an exclusive, freewheeling interview to Channel7 on his completion of a decade in Test cricket.

Dravid, who made his debut at the Lords in June 1996, said he felt time went past like anything.

''Sometimes I wonder.. oh God, it's 10 years. But I have enjoyed every moment of it because I have never played under pressure. In fact, I have enjoyed my game, I have enjoyed cricket. I still vividly remember the first Test at Lords,'' he said.

The Indian skipper said he was happy that the team, after a disastrous one day series, got back into shape in the ongoing Test series against the West Indies.

''But we still need to win those last moments to convert draws into wins. That should happen now...the boys are confident they will pull it through in the next two games.

''I personally did a lot of talking to the boys and told them that they need to win those last overs... just those last moments. We are there, very much there in the win. It has to be pulled through,'' he said.

Dravid, who has scored 8810 runs in 102 Tests with an average of 58, refused to identify any single player who did admirably well on the Caribbean series.

''I refuse to do that.. we have done well as a team and my bowlers have done well. I know the pressure is on the new bowlers to deliver but they need to be given some more time... they are raw talent. VRV Singh, Munaf Patel and (S) Sreesanth have tremendous potentials which needs to be harnessed. Premature criticism would not do them good.'' The Indian skipper, who would complete a year in captaincy next month, said he enjoyed his role, ostensibly because he played under no pressure.

''I am enjoying my game and have full confidence in the boys...

it's a role I cherish.'' On India's plans for the West Indies and whether the team management wanted to retain the current selection, Dravid remained evasive and said it was too early to comment.

''We have to pick up a good team...just a good team that can prove its worth in the tournament. World Cup will have some very, very good teams and we need to have our best talent showcased here,'' Dravid added.

UNI XC AY HS1711

For Daily Alerts
Get Instant News Updates
Enable
x
Notification Settings X
Time Settings
Done
Clear Notification X
Do you want to clear all the notifications from your inbox?
Settings X
X