The Hindu : International cricket all about handling pressure situations

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Mar 08, 2004

Sport

Sport - Cricket

International cricket all about handling pressure situations

By Our Special Correspondent

SCURRYING FOR COVER: Sourav Ganguly's drive forces Murali Kartik and Irfan Pathan to take evasive action during the Indian team's practice session at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.

KOLKATA, MARCH 7. If there is one Indian batsman who is unfazed by pressure in international cricket, it ought to be vice-captain Rahul Dravid. Known as `The Wall' for his impeccable technique, Dravid put the pressure of modern day cricket in proper perspective. "International cricket is all about handling pressure situations,'' Dravid told mediapersons after the Indian squad went through 90 minutes of conditioning camp on the first day at the Eden Gardens here on Sunday, after unseasonal rain robbed at least two hours of practice time.

While admitting that India would miss three regular bowlers, Anil Kumble, Ajit Agarkar and Harbhajan Singh owing to injuries, the team's vice-captain felt it would be difficult to replace them in terms of talent and experience but admitted the team needs to move ahead with the new combination.

Will the absence of these three bowlers not put extra pressure on the Indian team? "It will, but then pressure is part and parcel of international cricket and most of us have learned to handle it well. This again provides an opportunity for youngsters to learn to handle pressure by themselves,'' he said.

"Every international game has its own pressures and expectations. I do agree that an India-Pakistan match will have a different kind of pressure. But then one has to learn to handle it. In my opinion, both India and Pakistan will be facing the same problem and not only one team,'' he added.

Referring to the hype over the series being dubbed a battle between Pakistan pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar and Indian maestro Sachin Tendulkar, Dravid felt there was nothing new in the build-up.

Asked about the lack of a bowling coach on the tour of Pakistan, Dravid said it was for captain Sourav Ganguly and coach John Wright to decide. "I am sure they are happy with the present arrangement. If at all there is a need for one, it can always be addressed in future,'' he said.

However, the presence of Kapil Dev during the camp would be of great help to the players, Dravid opined. "With his knowledge and experience, Kapil can pass some of it to the boys before they leave on the tour."

When pointed out that there has been too much talk off the field regarding the ensuing series, the Indian vice-captain said the only language that matters is the one in the middle. "What one speaks before the series does not matter. It is important to concentrate on the series and to excel in the middle.''

He reiterated that he was happy with the dual job of contributing with the bat and also keep wickets. "I think there is an opportunity for a wicketkeeper who can bat in the top order to cement his place in the side. It is for such players to grab the chance with both hands.''

The only newcomer in the squad, Ramesh Powar, said it was an honour to represent the country. "I am in the squad as an all-rounder and I will do my best when called upon to do so,'' he said.

Powar felt pitches on either side of the border are not different and he saw an opportunity for spinners to excel. "I have done well for Mumbai against the best available talent in the country in various domestic tournaments. I am optimistic of doing well in Pakistan as well,'' he said and added "I enjoy playing in pressure situations be it either domestic games or in an international match.''

Other than Tendulkar, who did stretching exercises before calling it quits, all the main batsmen had a good knock in the nets. To strengthen the bowling, the BCCI had drafted in the services of V.R.V. Singh, Avishkar Salvi, Sreshanth, Munaf Patel, R.P. Singh, T. Kumaran, Siddharth Trivedi, N.C. Ayyappa and local lads Sourav Sarkar and Sabbir Ali.

On Monday, the 13 India players, the 10 pace bowlers who are here to assist the team at nets and a couple of Bengal players will be divided into two teams for a 45-over-a-side game.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport

News Update

Stories in this Section

Cricket

International cricket all about handling pressure situations

East's chase on

Waugh brothers bid adieu

Hockey

Sohail stars in Pakistan's win

Army XI downs Karnataka XI

Football

Ronaldo to miss clash against Bayern

No pretty soccer on TV: Maradona

Badminton

China seeded top

Chess

Anand can now play in World championship

Sailing

Cantando overcomes choppy seas for title