Over the years we have learnt what to expect when Rahul Dravid is batting. It is never pretty or exhilrating, but it is usually effective. The name,’ The Wall’ is there for a good reason, Dravid is as solid a batsman as there has been, a real test purist.
Today though, Dravid was excruciating to watch. His 104 runs fron 227 balls (strike rate of 45.81) was a gutsy effort, it was typical Dravid, but it was even more boring than usual.
He looked more like what he has now become, a man hanging onto his test place by his fingernails.
I don’t want this to sound like I am criticizing him, as I am not. He is a great player with a test average of over 52 and is also an ex-captain of India. I just get the impression now that he’s almost waiting for the axe, he seems to be holding back India’s batting.
India already have purists like Tendulkar and Laxman in their side, there seems no great need for Dravid as well. There is also a new generation of Indian batting coming through with the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara.
Not wishing to contradict myself, but I believe India will rightly keep faith with Dravid for the South Africa series. That is the big one, a win there would confirm India’s status as the best test team in the world and Dravid’s experience could be vital for that series.
After that though, I think it is time for him to go and make way for someone else. India will need to start blooding youngsters soon, as along with Tendulkar and Laxman, Dravid is the wrong side of 35.
It’s harsh on Dravid, but it is also a reality. The fact is that India don’t need to be trying to replace all 3 of them at once.
