Rahul Dravid answered his critics in the best possible way ufffd with a big knock
Rahul Dravid answered his critics in the best possible wayu00a0--u00a0with a big knock
Rahul Dravid silenced his detractors with a knock of 191 in the third and final Test against New Zealand here at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium yesterday. The innings helped India claim a lead of 373 runs, and put them in line to win the Test series.
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| Rahul Dravid plays a trademark cut shot during his 191-run knock at VCA Stadium yesterday.u00a0 PIC/AFP |
Dravid told MiD DAYu00a0 he never allowed criticism over the last 12 months affect his game.
Having missed his sixth career double-century by just nine runs, he said: "It was a satisfying innings. It feels really nice. It is au00a0 bit disappointing to miss the double century. The shot-selection was not good."
Double Standards"I never allowed the age factor bother me. It is all about scoring runs. If you are older, people ask questions. However, when I was younger and if I was in bad form, people would perceive it differently. It's all about scoring runs. Personally, I never had any complains,"u00a0he said.
Prior to the start of the three-Test series against New Zealand, a host of critics called for Saurashtra's Cheteshwar Pujara to replace the stalwart.
'The Wall' said he never allowed these reports to bother him: "I always concentrate on myself, and my game. I am wise enough to realise that it has been a long and hard journey.
"Sometimes you get the desired results, at other times, things don't work in your favour. That is life. That is what cricket is all about. I have never cared about what somebody has to say," said the 37-year old. Nagpur also happens to be the hometown of Dravid's in-laws. His father in-law, S P Pendharkar, and wife Vijeta were both here to watch his innings. "It was a brilliant knock," Pendharkar said. Those who are suckers for fluent batting, went home thoroughly satisfied.
