17 August,2009 07:36 AM IST | | Clayton Murzello
Returningu00a0tou00a0ODI cricket after two years may be a hurdle for Dravid, but he has undertaken sterner tasks before. Remember, his wicket-keeping and batting in 2002-03?
There's a lot Rahul Dravid has revealed about himself in his cricketing life. Yesterday, through his ODI selection, he brought to light again the importance of a simplistic, clichu00e9d, yet marvellous quality of not giving up. Back in blues! Rahul Dravid was recalled to India's ODI squad yesterday.
u00a0After figuring in 333 one-day internationals, Dravid could have called it a day in limited overs cricket on being dropped during the 2007 one-day series against Australia to concentrate solely on Test cricket. But players with special ability have extraordinary optimism levels too.
Pundits may view Dravid's recall as a backward step at a stage where Indian cricket is banking on youth. But Dravid's inclusion is not going to mightily chip away at the youth policy. In fact, as Kiran More, who enjoyed a fine relationship with Dravid when he was chairman of selectors, the middle order batsman's presence in the team will make the opposition apprehensive. "He's not called The Wall for nothing. He has the ability to stay on and resist which can frustrate the bowlers," said More.
The erstwhile stumper disagreed vehemently to this being a backward step. "You need young players but Rahul will lend a lot of stability. I was shocked when he was dropped in 2007," he said.
Dravid can thank his good showing in the 2009 Indian Premier League for his call-up. Sure, he looked out of place in the first edition of the T20 extravaganza but in South Africa, his fluency came shining through. T20 is not an easy platform for batsmen, who treasure their wicket, but as the great sages always stress, you never stop learning.
'Nice to be back'
"It's nice to be back and I am looking forward to the cricket coming up (tri-series in Sri Lanka and Champions Trophy in South Africa). I am hoping to prepare well and give it my best," he told MiD DAY yesterday.
Dravid has undertaken difficult tasks before. In 2002, he took on the extra responsibility of 'keeping wickets to help India have a more balanced look to their combination. India ended up winning the 2002 NatWest Series in England and reached the final of the 2003 World Cup with Dravid behind the sticks. There was some polished batting too.
With due respect to Test cricket, India's focus WILL have to be one-day cricket over the next two seasons.
The Champions Trophy is the second most important tournament after the World Cup in 50-overs cricket. And the next World Cup to be played on familiar sub-continental turf is less than two years away.
Dravid could well be embarking on his most critical journey.
