Proteas play up Dravid’s absence
Nagpur, Feb. 4: In 14 long seasons at the international level, Rahul Dravid has not missed much of Test cricket. It was nearly 10 years before Mr Consistent missed a game — at Ahmedabad in 2005-06 against Sri Lanka. An Indian team sheet without his name would look surreal and the country is certain to miss Dravid’s assuring presence against a formidable new ball attack.
The South Africans, though, are not complaining.
Dravid’s team-mates have voiced contrasting views. Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said India could cope in his absence while opener Gautam Gambhir noted it would be difficult for the top-order without the experience of the Karnataka stalwart.
Dravid who was hit on the cheek bone by Shahadat Hossain during the second Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka recently has undergone surgery and is likely to miss both Tests against the Proteas.
AB de Villiers, who has a fair idea of the batting at one-drop said: "People don’t realise how important that position is. He has been solid for India over the years and players like him cannot be replaced overnight.
"His role is similar to what Jacques Kallis does for us. He can come in at the fall of an early wicket and consolidate and he is also adept at grinding the opposition after a good start." However de Villiers saw the India top-order having enough firepower even without Dravid.
Wayne Parnell echoed the sentiment. "It’s a major loss for them. But I am sure there are others in the team who will do well.
In Virender Sehwag and Gambhir, India have a top notch opening pair, yet the dressing room would be breathing easier if Dravid was to follow. The demand from a No. 3 in the sub-continent is also different. Hashim Amla who will don the pivotal spot for South Africa summed it up well.
"It needs a different mindset as I could be starting my innings against spin. There is little chance of that back in SA where the new ball always tends to get an early wicket.
"The role is to consolidate and carry on the good work of the openers. One needs to adapt to the conditions better to do well in that position," said Amla.
Dravid’s record needs no introduction, what he brings to the table is not merely the runs but the solidity that comes along with it. The team is sure to miss his safe hands in the slips too.
South African coach Cornelius Van Zyl did not want to read too much into Dravid’s absence. "Rahul’s obviously an important player and we’ll have to see who India play there. But we have to be prepared for all of them. Don’t want to put too much emphasis on that." Whether the visitors want to concentrate on that or not, they are sure to be breathing easy.
V. BALAJI
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