The serious Rahul Dravid turns into an entertainer

Mumbai: “Vasu Paranjape used to tell stories about Hanif Mohammad’s strong defence. He said that the echo of the sound of the willow blocking the ball could be heard at Churchgate station if the match was held at Cricket Club of India (CCI).”

Paranjape, the veteran cricket coach is known for his wit but the person who narrated the story here on Friday at the Dileep Sardesai Memorial Lecture held in CCI could be never branded with such humour. Former India captain Rahul Dravid uncovered a different side of his otherwise serious disposition stating how storytelling can play a crucial role inspiring a cricketer.

The Test specialist turned raconteur and filled in with anecdotes and asserted how information passed through word-of-mouth helped cricketers.

“I have grown up in Bangalore hearing stories from my father about the adventures of Test cricketers like Gundappa Vishwanath facing the likes of Andy Roberts. Hence, I was determined that Test cricket is what I want to play,” said Dravid.

“These days, even the Under-16 players walk around with gadgets and headphones playing loud music,” he said, adding, that a lot needs to be passed from a generation to other in the form of stories.

Dravid thanked the Indian Premier League (IPL) for being a knowledge hub connecting the senior cricketers to domestic players.

“I’d a good time with Rajasthan Royals and it is also important for the youngster to talk out with seniors asking the right questions to get the correct answers. If a young cricketer asked me how he is batting, it is evident he had done his homework and wanted my insight,” said the 41-year-old.

He pointed out Indian players who benefited after exchanging ideas with foreigners during IPL. “Pravin Tambe kept picking the brains of Brad Hodge and James Faulkner during the matches asking whether he should bowl full, turn it away from the wicket, about field placements. Though being a 41-year-old, his hunger to get better reflected in his performance. Sanju Samson became so close to AB de Villiers that both went for coffee (I don’t know who paid though),” he laughed.

“When I was with Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kevin Pietersen used to discuss his weakness against the left-arm spinners with me and wanted to sort it out,” he added.

Dravid, who was recently in England during India’s tour, criticised allegations on the younger generation of Team India about their disinterest to Test cricket. “It is a wrong notion. Rather, they are worried and keep asking me how to do well in the longer version of the sport,” he added. Even Virat Kohli, who had a quiet tournament in England, took suggestions from Dravid about improving in Tests.

After concluding his tales, he commented about the recent issues rocking the cricketing world. The batsman, who also donned the wicket-keeping gloves in limited overs and kept to bowlers of all speed and turns – said the ban on Pakistan tweaker Saeed Ajmal is unfortunate but “chucking is not a crime, it is a technical defect”.

“It is good that the board is being more vigilant. They need to keep monitoring periodically. It is only about repairing the fault. One should go and get them corrected,” he said.

When asked about his take on wives and girlfriends accompanying cricketers on tours, his reply had the audience in fits.

“I’m a married man and I wouldn’t say no. The cricketers are out of home for 10-12 months a year and if you do not allow their partners to be with them, I think it will create more problems. Wife, girlfriend or whatever name you think you can give to a partner,” said Dravid.