'What counts is being honest with what I do, and being honest with myself'

Source: The Telegraph     Date: December 26, 2003

Melbourne: Today, if there’s an Indian who needs no introduction, then it’s Rahul Dravid — hero of the Adelaide Test and more. Dravid, the Team India vice-captain, spoke to The Telegraph for about an hour in the lead-up to the third Test.

 

The following are excerpts

 

As a kid, what did you dream of?

A (Grins) Varied from age to age... But, if something kept cropping up again and again, it was my wanting to be a cricketer.

 

From narrowly missing out on the 1996 World Cup to emerging the most consistent batsman has been some journey...

Actually, the past seven years have gone so quickly... There have been ups and downs, but I’ve enjoyed this ride... Enjoyed the challenges.

 

You’ve gone through phases. Will you talk us through them?

I was consistent in both forms in the first couple of years... In between, only for a brief period (1998) was I not a regular in the one-day side... Then, from the 1999 World Cup (461 runs), things really changed. Of course, there was a hiccup on the last tour of Australia, but the past couple of years have been good.

 

How much of a difference did your exposure with Kent (2000) make?

Little bit as a cricketer, but lots as a person... Being away from home for almost six months taught me a lot about myself... Made me a more confident person... As a cricketer, I got a feel of batting in conditions which changed dramatically. Moreover, I got a number of innings and, really, batting is something I enjoy.

 

In Adelaide, you made the point about having put yourself under pressure on the 1999-2000 tour of Australia. Did you set a target which, as it turned out, added to the pressure?

No, it wasn’t strictly target-related... Looking back, I focussed more on the result rather than the process of batting well... Wanted to do X and Y things, without enjoying myself... I learnt from that experience... This time, I’m taking one innings at a time and, so, am more relaxed. (After a pause) I’ve had this attitude for a couple of years and it’s helping play good cricket.

 

Will you elaborate?

It’s just that I focus more on the process of batting, of being better prepared... Instead of worrying about the result, I try to get into the right frame of mind. The result doesn’t matter as long as I’ve given it my best shot.

 

To speak of a turning point, would it be our last tour of the West Indies (2001-2002)?

Probably... It’s been a good run from there... Not that I’ve been doing anything different, but I’ve been batting well from then on... I did gain in confidence from that trip (404 runs in Tests) and began to trust myself more. Ditto for the 2002 tour of England (602 runs in Tests).

 

Everybody talks about self-belief. How would you describe it?

It’s about trusting your game, your abilities... It’s possible that doubts crop up, yet that’s the time to put aside the fears and doubts... That’s the time to back yourself, to trust whatever you’ve got... You can’t, for example, go into a match doubting your technique. After all, it’s too late... By then, you should have sorted things out by extra hours at nets or whatever. Once a game begins, you’ve got to look at performing, not changing things.

 

Being a No.3 batsman in Tests, you’re ready as soon as the openers set out. What do you do while in the dressing room?

I try and relax, keep a blank mind... I don’t like expending too much mental energy as there’s no point concentrating in the dressing room... That has to be done in the middle. So, I’ll have a sip of water, walk around — to keep the legs going — if the partnership is long and chat once in a while to the guy next to me.

 

Are you superstitious?

Not particularly, but I put on the right pad first... It’s something I’ve been doing from the beginning.

 

In Adelaide, collectively, you batted for five minutes short of 14 hours. Such concentration is exceptional...

When the contest is of a high level and the opposition so strongly rated, concentrating for long hours isn’t a problem... I enjoy being part of a top contest... I love competing and, clearly, you can’t compete sitting inside. But, yes, being able to push body and mind through critical periods is important. As is switching on and off.

 

Do you really ease off when in the ‘off’ mode?

Look, once the ball has been bowled or the over completed, you don’t worry too much... That’s when you relax... It’s back to being ‘on’ when the bowler has begun to run in... It’s back to peak concentration.

 

You’ve spoken about a contest which is of a high level. Well, how motivated will you be versus Bangladesh?

The level of motivation doesn’t change and my preparation won’t be different. The point I was making is that concentrating becomes easier when top bowlers are at you all the time. At least, I haven’t had to struggle... Also, there’s more enjoyment after such a battle.

 

Your immediate thoughts when a mix-up led to Sourav Ganguly being run out (Adelaide, first innings)...

I hate being involved... It was very disappointing, more so as Sourav had got a century in the first Test (Brisbane) and was in form... Specially when you’re up against a big score (like 556), it’s important that every wicket is earned. Having said that, mistakes happen and it’s best to quickly get over that. It shouldn’t reach a stage where you’re so upset that you lose your own wicket. You can’t control the past, only the present and the future.

 

What’s the first thing V.V.S. Laxman (who replaced Sourav) and you tell each other?

That we should fight... At that point, we didn’t think of Australia’s 556... Our thoughts were on the next ball, the next over and the next session... Whenever we’ve batted together, we’ve looked at building on a small beginning, never aimed at a big goal.

 

But, surely, there’s something special between Laxman and you...

(Laughs) We know each other’s game, know how to back and motivate each other.

 

It’s generally felt that the more you succeed, lesser the pressure on Sachin Tendulkar. Do you agree?

Look, at the international level, you can’t win on the strength of an individual performance... It has to be a team effort. Even in Adelaide, debutant Irfan Pathan got Matthew Hayden and Parthiv Patel scored useful runs in the first innings... Big or small, everybody has to make a contribution — and, they do. To win, seven or eight of the guys have to be at the top of their game.

 

Usually, how do you prepare for a series overseas?

There wasn’t any time for this one... Much depends on the days available... I watch a bit of the bowlers’ footage, but not a lot as one plays so much and gets to see even more on the TV... Unless he’s a rookie, there’s little that is unknown about somebody.

 

With an extensive support staff, has cricket become easier seven years after your debut?

Definitely not easier, because other teams are improving with focussed planning. But, yes, cricket is better organised and more professional. There’s this appreciation that it isn’t just about 11 people on the field, that much back-room work has to be done. (After a pause) Every generation has its fads and theories... Seven years on, things will perhaps be done differently.

 

You’re the vice-captain. What makes this team gel?

A combination of things... We’re better organised, there’s more planning... We’ve got a better team ethic and culture... Everyone wants to do well for the team, for each other. Basically, there’s better spirit... Also, some good cricketers have come together at the same time... Of course, I don’t wish to belittle any of the players I’ve played with in the earlier years... I can’t think of many who didn’t always give off their best.

 

Have you, at 30, begun to peak?

Don’t know... All I’ll say is that the experience of seven years is helping me in the present times... I hope to keep getting better, though.

 

Is there something which drives you besides wanting to do well individually and collectively?

I enjoy batting, enjoy the camaraderie... Probably, that also drives me on.

 

Earlier this season, you captained in a Test (Mohali) and led in much of the tri-series. What was the experience like?

I knew I was only standing-in for Sourav and, so, wasn’t under that much pressure... It was challenging, a nice experience... Does captaincy seem easier from outside? But, when have I said it’s easy? You learn and, with time, can get better.

 

Seven years have gone, but is missing a hundred on debut at Lord’s your No.1 regret?

I can’t change that 95 can I? At least a 95 is better than getting out on zero or... Today, I see that innings as a good start to my career... If anything, it’s a disappointment, not a regret. One has to move on... For instance, it would have been great had we won the last World Cup final — we didn’t, despite our best effort, and must look ahead.

 

Having established yourself as an indispensable member of the one-day XI must be cause for much satisfaction...

It’s just in the early part of my career that I wasn’t a regular... Even that was an experience and I learned...

 

Are you touchy about criticism?

Don’t get hassled... In any case, now, I handle it better... Having matured, I neither get too excited nor do I get upset. What counts is being honest with what I do and being honest with myself. (After a pause) Not everybody may have the right intentions and somebody could attribute motives to whatever you do... Equally, plenty of people are sensible... I’ve grown to accept that.

 

What will you tell an audience of young cricketers?

Work hard, technically and in the mind... The more you get to know yourself, the better you will be as a cricketer. Moreover, the more honest, the better.

 

Has it been difficult staying away from the family?

(Grins again) Wasn’t so earlier, but perhaps now is (after marriage)... Actually, there’s a lifestyle which goes with cricket and I enjoy it. Touring helps you grow as a person and one should enjoy that part of being a cricketer.

 

You’re fond of books...

That’s one way of switching off... I like music too and chilling out with the boys.

 

Have you been conscious about enjoying a clean image?

Not particularly. I haven’t gone out of my way to live up to a certain image... I try to be the person I am, don’t consciously try being a role model... In fact, I don’t know whether the intensity I show on the field inspires somebody...

 

Do you have a role model outside cricket?

Not any one person... But, yes, my parents have been a huge inspiration... I’ve tried to absorb a few things from some of the people who’ve made a mark... Essentially, I’m a good learner... I don’t have hang-ups.

 

Sourav feels touring Australia, for example, helps him focus better as a million fans aren’t watching every step. Do you agree?

I do... I’m more relaxed overseas, away from all the hype and...

 

The last question: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I never look that far ahead... For now, nothing is more important than the third Test... I take one step at a time... That way, I’m comfortable.