We don’t need to compare Dravid with Warne: Gilchrist

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Kings XI Punjab skipper Adam Gilchrist feels Rahul Dravid has rallied Rajasthan Royals well to open their IPL V campaign on a winning note but said it is unfair to compare the retired India batsman with spin wizard Shane Warne, who had led the Jaipur franchise to a title triumph in the inaugural edition.

Gilchrist believes Dravid is a terrific person and Rajasthan will be benefited by his leadership but said there was no need to make any comparison between him and Warne.

"Shane was altogether a different person with his own game plans. He has the wonderful ability to manage but we don't need to compare him with Rahul Dravid who has taken over the reins of royals," said Gilchrist.

"Dravid is terrific as a person, respected all over the world. He has rallied his team around. Perhaps Rajasthan Royals is among the least fancied team in this IPL but he has been able to begin with a good victory and this is going to help them," added the former Australian wicketkeeper.

Talking about their 31-run defeat to Punjab in the opening match, Gilchrist said that his bowlers couldn't adjust their pace according to the wicket at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium here.

"It is disappointing any time you lose and especially the first match but we have to forget it quickly," the 40-year-old said after the match on Friday night.

"Ajinkya Rahane did bat well and played some good shots but I also feel that our bowlers strayed down the leg and also did not get their pace right according to the nature of the wicket," he added.

Regarding his decision to field first, Gilchrist said: "Dravid too was willing to field first in case of winning the toss. But I feel our bowlers could have been trying out variations.''

"Apart from Rahane's batting it were the slower ones from Kevon Cooper which dented us. The wicket slowed up more than we had anticipated and held itself longer," he said.