The Hindu : Showers of praise for Team India

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 02, 2004

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Sport - Cricket

Showers of praise for Team India

By Our Special Correspondent

HAPPY TIDINGS: Rahul Dravid's parents Pushpa Sharath and Sharath Vishwanath Dravid congratulate their son. — Photo: K. Gopinathan

KOLKATA, APRIL 1. "Many congratulations to you and all the members of Team India for a spectacular victory in the first Test against Pakistan in Multan,'' was how Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya, the BCCI president, greeted stand-in captain, Rahul Dravid, immediately after India achieved a historic victory on Thursday morning. "This was, in fact, India's first victory on Pakistan soil and Team India has made it memorable by making it a win by an innings.''

Mr. Dalmiya was one of the millions who savoured the triumph. The message continued. "Any word of praise is not enough for Virender Sehwag's triple hundred, the first by an Indian in Test cricket. This was laced by a superb 194 not out by Little Master Sachin Tendulkar and a breezy 59 by Yuvraj Singh. When it came to bowling, everyone chipped in. You had the young Irfan Pathan bowling his heart out, supported by Zaheer Khan and L. Balaji. And, of course, you had the old warhorse Anil Kumble spinning the web, assisted by Sachin and Yuvraj. Truly, it was the result of a great teamwork under your excellent captaincy.''

The BCCI president also cautioned Dravid. "We must remember that there are two more Test matches to go and there is no room for complacency. But at the same time, you and the boys have every right to rejoice and celebrate this fantastic win. Keep up the good effort,'' he concluded.

In a letter to Rahul Dravid, BCCI secretary S.K. Nair said the whole country was proud of the feat. "On behalf on the BCCI, I heartily congratulate you and all other members of the Indian team on the splendid and proud victory over Pakistan, the first ever in Pakistan in the last 52 years. That the team under your captaincy was able to secure an innings win makes the whole thing much sweeter. The whole country is proud of you all and rejoice at the memorable feat and hopefully expect you to sustain the excellence in the coming two Tests as well," the letter said.

Roy was all praise for Dravid and coach John Wright. "John is a very low profile person who believes in working silently and effectively. I am also worried about the number of players getting injured,'' he said.

Brijesh Patel delighted

The scene was no different in Bangalore. Brijesh Patel, former National selection committee chairman and secretary of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), was delighted. "It's a historic victory. The boys have been doing well, and it was on view in Australia too. The body language says a lot. We did well in one-dayers and now this Test win."

Patel also commended Kumble's effort. "He has always been a match-winner for us. And with support from the other end from the likes of Pathan and Balaji, our attack is looking good. Our strength is our batting and with Shewag getting 300 plus and Sachin a near double-century, it's all falling in place."

B.S. Chandrashekar said: "Kumble has returned quite strongly and is being well supported by the two youngsters- Pathan and Balaji. With everything going India's way, it ultimately turned out to be a lop-sided contest."

Roger Binny was ecstatic: "It is fanastic and coming against Pakistan on their turf was even better. Kumble's return to international cricket after an injury lay-off is commendable and with Pathan, who needs to be complimented for those vital strikes, all is rosy now. Kumble should now be concentrating on Test cricket and needs to take a break from one-dayers," Binny added. The former Little Master, G.R. Viswanath complimented the team and said it was a historic day in Indian cricket.

All roads lead to

Dravid's residence

Be that as it may, all roads led to Dravid's residence in Indira Nagar (Bangalore). After India wrapped up the match in Multan, fans, well wishers and media, poured in to congratulate Dravid's family. The normally reticent parents of Rahul Dravid — Sharath Vishwanath Dravid and Pushpa — were besides themselves with joy. "We called Rahul on his mobile and expressed our happiness. It has been a great moment for us. Rahul, as a skipper, did his bit, but it was a team effort and the credit goes to all the boys," Dravid senior said.

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