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Friends are for life. Rahul is not just a great cricketer, he's a great person. Our relationship goes beyond cricket - Laxman
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THEY HAVE played together since age-group cricket. Now they are battling it out for India. Rahul Dravid and V.V.S. Laxman, architects of two of India's finest Test victories — Kolkata 2001 and Adelaide 2003. Read on to know more about the master strikers.
Question: In the historic partnership at Kolkata against Australia in 2001, how much did you talk to each other?
Rahul Dravid: We used to talk quite a lot, to be honest. We kept pushing each other on. It was a long, hot day and we were up against a very good team. I got a lot of support from Laxman.
V.V.S. Laxman: A lot, I'd say. The position the team was in, it was very important for both of us to carry on. We kept telling each other to concentrate on every ball, take it over by over, play each ball on its merit. We didn't think too much about the result. Luckily, it worked.
How do you help each other?
Rahul: We have played together so much now that we know each other's game well. I won't say I have a solution to what's going on in his head, but then you can tell from the confidence he exudes... from his walk, the way he plays. Laxman is on song most of the time, so there is not much I can tell him (smiles). But I do tell him when he's playing a little loose to tighten up.
Laxman: We've been playing together since 1990-91. It's easy for us to tell. We know if the other is in perfect coordination or not, and interact accordingly.
The two of you have had some wonderful partnerships. Do you plan a target or let things take their course?
Rahul: We just let things take their course. We take one over at a time; take it slowly. You can't really plan saying you'll get 300 runs in an innings. We like batting together, both of us enjoy scoring big runs. And if we both get going, then there is all likelihood that we might make a big score.
Laxman: Individually, we set short targets, reach them and set another small one. We focus on occupation of crease; usually, we take it session by session.
What sort of technical advice do you trade on and off the field?
Rahul: Not too much, just a few things. Maybe where the feet are moving, where the bat's coming from...
Laxman: Sometimes we talk about technique — about footwork and where the bat's coming from. Usually it's a discussion; nothing specific, just general, you know, about the mental aspect of the game. Unless, of course, one of us has a specific problem.
Let us visualise Karnataka playing Hyderabad, how will Dravid plan Laxman's dismissal and vice versa?
Rahul: I'll hope and pray for the best. He's a tough guy to dismiss. I'll just hope he gets out early on. Keep the ball outside the off-stump and hope he nicks one to me at first slip.
Laxman: I would try to dismiss him initially, because once he's set then it is very difficult to get him out. I won't tell you how; it is a secret, you know. Our States meet often.
What is it like batting with Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Yuvraj Singh?
Rahul: Each one is unique. All four are stroke-makers. My game tends to complement theirs quite well. I've had big partnerships with them at different stages. It has been fun, great to get along with them and they are world class players.
Laxman: They all are aggressive players, positive and superb strikers of the ball. When batting with them, I define my role depending on the situation.
Will this friendship of yours extend after your careers are over?
Rahul: I'm sure it will. We've known each other for a long time. We'll be friends even after we are done as international cricketers. And, in our old age, we'll sit down over a meal and a glass and talk about some of those innings. I'm sure we'll have fond memories.
Laxman: Definitely. Not just Rahul, with every other cricketer too. Friends are for life. Rahul is not just a great cricketer; he's a great person. Our relationship goes beyond cricket.
Visualise the day when you become national selectors — what would be common in your thinking?
Rahul: I'm not very sure if I'd want to become a selector.
Laxman: I'm not sure. I haven't given it a thought.
What is that one quality in batting that you admire in the other?
Rahul: His balance, stroke-making ability and the timing he brings to his shots.
Laxman: His patience and temperament.
What according to each of you would be the perfect day?
Rahul: We've had a couple of them. Kolkata and Adelaide were perfect. Another Kolkata, possibly.
Laxman: Like the one in Kolkata. When you contribute and the team wins. That would be a perfect day for me.
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