Former Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid has stated that players should get the most credit if India can win their maiden Test series in South Africa. Understate his role, Dravid said his job is to help the team.
India has a great chance to record its first-ever Test series triumph in South Africa, following its 113-run win in the first 3-matches. The 2nd Test of the series starts in Johannesburg on Monday.
Dravid was questioned what it would mean for him to win a Test series as coach in South Africa at a pre-match discussion. Earlier, he led India to their initial Test match win in South Africa – Johannesburg 2006-07. The current head coach said in this regard:
“It is very different as a player and a captain, having led the team here in 2006-07. It was a lovely memory as well. But, as a coach, my role is to support and help the team, and it is really their success. I guess there will be some satisfaction if we can do that from a coaching perspective. But, a large part (of credit) for that success should go to the players. They are the ones who do the tough job; they are the ones who play in the middle. Our job is just to support them.”
Although, Dravid admitted that it wouldn’t be easy work and said he hoped South Africa to return hard. The 48-year-old added:
“It would mean a lot for the group of guys to be able to win a Test match here. But we will have to work very hard over the next five days, and I expect South Africa to bounce back as they usually do.”
In Johannesburg, Dravid secured his first Test century back in 1997. Questioned to share his Test memories, the legend acknowledged the match was personally satisfying. Despite that, He lamented the fact that rain stopped India from winning the contest. Dravid recalled:
“I remember it raining and us not being able to win the game. It was really nice personally to score that first Test hundred. In some ways, you feel that you belong when you achieve it at that level. It was a really nice feeling and (it came) against a really good South African team, being 2-0 down in that series. In a lot of ways, it set me up and gave me the confidence for the rest of my career.”
Wall Of India Rahul Dravid scored his 1st ever century in tests #ONTHISDAY 17-01-1997. He scored 148 vs South Africa 3rd Test @ Johannesburg. This was a close test Match & Ind on their way to win but Daryll Cullinan & Lance Klusener Stand & some rain Help SAF to save the Test. pic.twitter.com/iny1dW02nk
— Zohaib (Cricket King)🇵🇰🏏 (@Zohaib1981) January 17, 2021
The Team India coach said:
“There was rain on days 4 and 5, and we just didn’t have enough overs to win a Test match, which we probably deserved. People like Srinath didn’t have the kind of depth of attack that we have now. But we still came pretty close to winning that Test match.”
Set to chase 356, South Africa called on to finish 228 for eight as Daryll Cullinan scored an unbeaten 122.
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