Team India's Mr Dependable, Rahul Dravid, who was injured in the second Test against Bangladesh will undergo a surgery today. This was confirmed by maxillo-facial surgeon P Kishore Nayak.

Speaking from Bangalore yesterday evening, Nayak said: "Rahul Dravid came to me this morning. He needs minor surgery which will be performed by me on Friday morning at 9.00 am in Manipal Hospital."

Dr Nayak had performed a similar surgery on Anil Kumble eight years ago. Kumble had broken his jaw (courtesy Merv Dillon) in the Antigua Test. Despite being in pain, he returned to the field and bowled 14 overs on the trot. After that, he returned home and underwent maxillo-facial surgery.

"I don't know whether my name was recommended to Rahul by Kumble," the doctor said. "But I know a few doctors in Bangladesh who may have suggested my name.

"Dravid will be under general anesthesia and will be discharged soon. He should be able to play within three weeks," the doctor added.

The writer is a freelancer