'I've had no issues with Greg'

Source: DNA India     Date: October 15, 2005

SYDNEY: India's new captain spent his first day in the saddle fielding for World XI at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He would rather have been batting. "There was no anxiety. In fact, I would have liked the captain to win the toss and bat. That (captaincy) wasn't on my mind at all," Rahul Dravid said on Friday night. "I slept very well last night. I spoke to my wife and switched my phone off by 10 pm. I was preparing myself mentally to bat in the morning, which I always do before the first day of a Test."

It was when he spoke to wife Vijeta on Friday morning that Dravid learned about the captainc. This was then officially conveyed to him  during the tea break by Kiran More and BCCI secretary SK Nair.

Dravid has been bestowed with two huge responsibilities in the space of three days. On October 11, he became a father and two days later he was named  India's cricket captain. "Becoming a father was absolutely special, it was also the anxious bit. I became really emotional when I saw the photographs of my child," he smiled. The pictures of the new born were emailed to him.

But as far as the captaincy goes, India's long-time bridesmaid was finally wearing the veil - and brides are supposed to be shy. So was Dravid. He was obviously looking to steer clear of a controversy at the start of his new  innings. It, therefore, became difficult to pin the skipper down. However, there was a welcome change of heart late Friday evening, and Dravid adroitly fielded questions from the media.

Twelve matches as captain, does that offer some stability?

It's not my job to pick how many series and matches that I will captain. My job is to work with what I've been given and work the best with what I have been given. Obviously, anyone who has done the job will tell you that giving a captain a considerable length of time will help. I have talked to the captains here playing in the World XI.  Captaincy is something that you grow into, it takes time - it's not something that you learn overnight. You just have to learn to be patient.

When did you learn about it?

I switched my phones off quite early last night. I tend to sleep early before a match. I learned about it when I called my wife in the morning. Then, at tea time, Kiran (More) and the secretary spoke to me and wished me luck, congratulated me. It was a very brief conversation - mostly 'congratulations, great working with you, very good Challenger Series.' I have followed a bit of the Challenger Series on the net.

Does the job have a feel of permanence about it this time?

I have been announced for two series. I will take it as that.

Your thoughts on different captains for Tests and ODIs.

These are not the decisions I make. The selectors decide that. It's not something I feel comfortable commenting on.

With Indian cricket going through its worst patch, do you think it's a bad time to get the job?

There is no good time or bad time to get captaincy. It's an honour to be given the job. I am looking forward to meeting the boys, the coach - it's a long season ahead and I'm looking forward to it.

Happy with the team you've got?

I don't know what the team is. However, the captain is consulted. I had spoken to the selectors the last time and circumstances have prevented it from being a long conversation this time. Also, I don't know what happened at the Challenger.

Priority issues to be dealt with?

I've not had any time to think about it. I'd like a chance to meet the boys first, sit down and speak with them. It's hard to think about these things right away. The camp is scheduled for October 19-21, but I'll return only after that. So I'll meet them straight in Nagppur. It will give me a chance to spend a few days with the baby. (Dravid's wife Vijeta and son are currently in Nagpur, his wife's home town).

What's right, what's wrong with Indian cricket?

The good thing is that there are a lot of boys who want to play for India and win, irrespective of what you may hear. What we need to work on is consistency.

The Indian cricket coach is considered too authoritative. Your thoughts.

I've had no issues - we've worked together for one series.

Irrespective of who's coach, and who's captain, the idea is to win and to gel as a team together. Also,  whether somebody is too authoratative or too soft, such perceptions aren't always real.

What about differences in the team?

(Firmly) You have to understand that in any team and organisation, there are bound to be differences of opinions. But they are good because you only learn from them. However, these things shouldn't be played out to the media. The problem isn't as much as is made out.  The impression I have is that the boys are committed to play for India.

Have you spoken to Sourav Ganguly or Greg Chappell over the last few weeks?

Whatever conversations with players and the coach, I don't need to tell people.

Finally, have you decided on a name for your son?

(Smiles)  I have, it'll be announced on the 12th day.