‘Dravid’s absence a big blow’

Chennai, Jan. 31: With Rahul Dravid out injured, India will go into their two-match Test series against South Africa without their batting backbone. Since his debut in 1996, Dravid has rarely missed a Test match. The last time he had to sit one out was in December 2005 when he was hospitalised with gastroenteritis during the Sri Lanka series, ending his record run of 93 consecutive Tests.

Prolific opener Gautam Gambhir says Dravid will be sorely missed in the dressing room during the series that begins at Nagpur on February 6. “He has been the wall of Indian batting for more than a decade. Not having him in the lineup, especially against a tough opponent like South Africa, will be a big blow.“But injuries are part and parcel of sportspersons’ lives. Whatever happens, we need to move on. On the other hand, Dravid’s absence provides an opportunity for those who are keen to prove their mettle,” explained the Delhi star.Gambhir who was the linchpin of India’s emphatic Test series victory over Bangladesh last week said the 2-0 rout was satisfying. “Starting the year on a bright note is very important as a lot of cricket is lined up.“The team are brimming with confidence having opened the season with a bang. It will keep us in good stead in the forthcoming series against South Africa,” added Gambhir.The 29-year-old has been setting batting marks left, right and centre. Gambhir recently became only the fourth player in Test history to achieve the feat of scoring five centuries in as many matches after Sir Donald Bradman, Jacques Kallis and Mohammad Yousuf. He could have equalled Bradman’s six on the trot in the final Test, but he was out for 68.“The good thing is that I didn’t get the sixth, otherwise people would expect me to beat the Bradman record against South Africa. Now, I will go into the upcoming series without any pressure. “I can play not thinking about the record. You have to be as relaxed as possible when you meet big teams. I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead,” Gambhir said.Gambhir felt spearhead Zaheer Khan was the trump card against the Proteas. “He can be lethal. He is one of the best in the world. Ishant Sharma also has been bowling well. If everyone plays to his strengths, we have a good chance of beating South Africa.“It’s just a two-match series, so we can’t afford a relaxed approach. If we start the series on a positive note, I am sure SA will be on the back foot,” Gambhir added.Gambhir, who has been on song in all three formats of the game, said the packed cricket schedule was gruelling. “It’s very difficult to adjust to different formats. It’s taxing for any player. The entire mindset has to change — from Tests to ODIs and to T20s,” he said.Asked about Pakistani players not featuring in the third edition of the IPL, Gambhir said they “will not be missed”.“Their absence will hardly make any difference, especially in Delhi Daredevils. We have a good bunch of foreign players. We had Mohammed Asif and Shoaib Mailk. Now, we have found suitable replacements for the duo in Wayne Parnell and Paul Collingwood,” Gambhir explained.Gambhir hoped Tamil Nadu middle order batsman S. Badrinath would finally make his Test debut against South Africa.“Given the runs he has scored in domestic competitions, Badrinath should have been given a chance. But he is simply unlucky. The Indian middle order is so strong with the trio of Sachin Tendulkar, Dravid and V.V.S. Laxman showing no signs of slowing down. The only thing a player can do is keep scoring runs and waiting for his chance. I hope Badri does well against SA,” he concluded.

C. SANTHOSH KUMAR

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