Rahul Dravid reveals how he overcame Steve Waugh's sledging in 2001 Eden Gardens Test
What's the story?
Rahul Dravid has opened up on his fascinating sledging tryst with Steve Waugh during the iconic 2001 Eden Gardens Test. The legendary Indian batsman shed light on how he resisted the revered Australian captain's verbal salvo and played a key role in propelling the hosts to one of their most memorable Test victories of all time.
"In the first three days of the Test match, we (India) were sort of completely beaten. Personally as well, my form was not good. I hadn’t scored runs in Bombay. I hadn’t hit runs in the first innings. In fact, I was demoted to number six in the batting order. In the second innings, when I walked in, Steve Waugh said ‘Rahul, number six in this innings, what is it in the next innings? Number 12?” Dravid revealed at the Go Sports Athletes’ Conclave in Bengaluru.
The batting stalwart added, "It was quite funny because I had reached the depths, I felt so low. I was not in a position to think about the past or about the future. And in cricket, it is just about focusing on one ball at a time. I thought ‘let me see how many one balls I can play at a time.’ I was thinking one more, one more’."
In the past...
When the second Test match of the 2001 Border-Gavaskar Trophy began in Calcutta, Australia were on the cusp of breaching their 'Final Frontier'. Armed with a 1-0 lead, the visitors rode on Steve Waugh's sublime century to register 445 in their first innings.
The heart of the matter
Batting at his favourite position of number three, Dravid could only muster a 82-ball 25 before being castled by Shane Warne in India's first innings. The hosts were shot out for 171 and Waugh subsequently enforced the follow-on. The rest, as they, is history.
Also Read: The legend of Eden Gardens 2001 - Possibly, the greatest Test ever
VVS Laxman, who was India's top-scorer in the first innings, was promoted to number three by skipper Sourav Ganguly. Despite being demoted to number six, Dravid took on the challenge and put on a game-changing 376-run partnership with Laxman.
While the stylish Hyderabadi compiled a scintillating 281, Dravid registered a brilliant 180 to help India overturn a 274-run deficit into a 383-run lead. Australia collapsed for 212 on a rapidly deteriorating surface to hand India an euphoric victory. Ganguly's team would eventually go on to win a memorable series 2-1.
What's next?
Head coach Dravid will have his hands full in preparing the Indian colts for the upcoming U-19 World Cup in New Zealand. Steve Waugh will also keep a close eye on the tournament as his son Austin has been selected in Australia's squad. The competition is scheduled to begin on January 13.
Author's take
Even though Waugh's sledge was pretty razor-sharp, Dravid took it on the chin and played one of the best knocks of his glorious Test career. While Laxman deservedly received unanimous praise for India's resplendent triumph, 'The Wall's contribution was also equally important.