Birthday Special: 3 Instances when Dravid stunned opposition with his aggressive batting
Former Indian skipper and current head coach Rahul Dravid was renowned for his impregnable defense and ability to blunt the most fearsome of bowling attacks with his dogged temperament. The batting ace had played numerous innings rescuing his side from a precarious situation. However, ‘The Wall’, as he is commonly referred to, possessed the ability to up the ante as well. While the Indian great celebrates his 50th birthday, we list some of his innings where he donned the role of the enforcer for the Indian team.
3. 50* off 22 deliveries against New Zealand, 2003
Hyderabad hosted the ninth match of the TVS Cup between India and New Zealand in 2003. The hosts won the toss and elected to bat first on a flat track in Deccan. India’s iconic opening pair of Virender Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar made an imperious start to the innings. Both batters went on to register scintillating tons, putting India in a commanding position. However, a flurry of quick wickets after the commanding start threatened a comeback from the Kiwis. But the Indian batting stalwart Rahul Dravid extinguished all those hopes by smashing one of the fastest half-centuries for India in ODIs, in just 22 deliveries to propel India to a mammoth 353.
2. 54 off 35 deliveries against West Indies, 2007
India batted first in the ODI series opener against the West Indies at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground in Nagpur. The home side was off to a flying start after Gambhir and Ganguly stitched a 144-run stand for the opening wicket. A couple of quick wickets threatened India’s progress in the match, but the Indian skipper Rahul Dravid had other ideas. He along with a young MS Dhoni compiled a breathtaking attack on the Windies bowler. Dravid scoring a rapid 54 off just 35 deliveries, taking India’s total to a daunting 338 runs.
1. 92 off 63 deliveries against England, 2007
Following a resounding defeat against England in the ODI series opener, India traveled to Bristol, with hopes of leveling the seven-match series. The visitors, led by Rahul Dravid, opted to bat first after winning the toss. India made a blistering start, thanks to a 113-run stand between Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar. After the departure of the Indian openers, it was the skipper who took matters into his own hands. Dravid went ballistic in the latter stages of the innings, scoring a rapid 92* off just 63 deliveries to guide India to a score of 329 runs.
