'I believed we could win, come what may'

Source: The Week     Date: December 28, 2003

By Neeru Bhatia/Hobart  The importance of being Rahul Dravid was best said by coach John Wright: "When Dravid does well, India does well." The baton has quietly passed on from Sachin Tendulkar's magic hands to Dravid's reassuring ones. It was also befitting that the man who said "Ganguly is the God of offside," got a return compliment from his skipper: "Dravid batted like God." Yet, even in his greatness the perennial team-man focuses on the road ahead rather than what went before. Excerpts from an interview:

The Colossus: Dravid celebrating after scoring the winning runs at Adelaide

What did Sourav say when he came and hugged you?
He said well done! The hugging was intense because I have been playing an active part in rebuilding this team. Moments like this win are a very important part of the process and we both knew that. The victory reinforced our belief that we were on the right path [of making this team into the best], and we are getting there.

Did you set some goals for yourself before the series?
I told myself to just get here and play good cricket. In the last tour I had planned so well in advance. I didn't do it this time. All I told myself was to get used to the conditions as early as possible and play good cricket.

Did you think you were in the 'zone' while you were batting in the match?
I don't think so. I have never experienced the feeling before. But there were stages in the match when I felt really in control of the situation. I think I slipped in and out of phases out there.

Which innings was more difficult-the first one where 556 stared out at you or the second, chasing a small target?
The first was very important for us to remain in the game and it helped us to do that. But the second was far more difficult because there was the pressure of finishing the job.

What were you thinking before going out to bat in the second innings?
I believed right from the morning of the last day that we would win the match. We all had a strong feeling about it. I knew that if not me someone else was going to do it come what may.

Would you consider the current phase of your batting your best?
Yes. Starting from the series against the West Indies two years ago. I feel so comfortable with myself while batting, and relaxed. I trust my game; it's not like I have done anything special with my technique. I guess it's about maturing. Experience teaches you and you tend not to repeat mistakes often.

You talked about your role in rebuilding the team. How has the process come about?
There have been moments full of fun, joy and challenges. Players like Sachin, Srinath and Kumble have also contributed to it along with Sourav and me. The process is very critical for the future of Indian cricket. I am just a vice-captain, it is just a name tag. At the end of the day, we have realised that the captain must lead but he needs support from all of us, and more importantly ensure that we are all pulling in the same direction.

It is also about creating a good team environment. A good environment in the dressing-room has helped me as a cricketer. It brings out a lot in you, creates a more professional environment.

We can be the best team in the world but, this is the beginning of a long journey. It takes more than just 11 players wanting to do well. It requires the support of the entire organisation to achieve what we want to achieve.