Rahul Dravid interviewed by Vijay Lokapally (12 June 1997)

Taken from Sportstar, an interview with Rahul Dravid, conducted by Vijay Lokapally. Submitted to CricInfo 12 June 1997

Q: How has been the journey frm Lord's to Bourda?

A: It's been a very satisfying journey. It is my first year in internatonal cricket and I came basically with the intentions of making a name for myself and establishing myself in the Indian team. I have sort of achieved that to a certain extent. Maybe a few things could have gone differently, but all in all, it's been a very satisfying and fun filled year of international cricket and I learnt a lot during this period.

Q: How much did playing for India 'A' help?

A: Not only A cricket but I played lot of first class cricket for almost four years before getting into the Indian side. In retrospect though I think it was a good thing because it toughened me mentally and gave me a bit more understanding of the game. I learnt about the game and about myself. I learnt how to handle the ups and downs, the failures and successes so that when I came into international cricket I was a lot more ready than waht I would have been say a couple of years before that.

Q: What did you learn?

A: Cricket is a learning process. Experience in cricket relates a lot to your life. You learn to take the good with the bad. You tend to grow as a person. Become confident. That was something that happeened to me a couple of years ago and it helped me a lot when I came to international cricket.

Q: But what about the initial struggle in the one-day tournaments at Sharjah and SIngapore?

A: It was a difficult period and a stage when I was really worried whether I would be able to make it in international cricket. I was concerned that I wouldn't get selected to go to England, but luckily for me, people who mattered had confidence in me and selected me on the tour to england which changed my career.

Q: But it was said that you got to play just because of the fact that GT Viswanath happened ot be the chairman of selectors and he was from the same state?

A: Anyone who says that doesn't have respect for Mr Viswanath and obviously doesn't know him. I am sure a person of his calibre would have never played favourites, It saddened me at that time when people said that and it only made me more determined to prove myself and live up to the confidence he had in me.

Q: How much did having 5 or 6 statemates help when yo made your debut and then continued in the side for the entire season?

A: It was really a big help having people whom you knew from a young age playing with you. Anil and Sri were a great help to all of us as they showed us the way. But having said that I was lucky to have been made comfortable by all my mates when I made my debut. I know people talk about it but the fact is that when we play together, it is for the country and not the state. It is not 6 boys from Karnataka but six Indians playing for India.

Q: How have you accepted the failures?

A: It has reflected in my whole approach to the game Whne I came into first class cricket I was too serious and I used to take things too seriously. As if it was a matter of life and death everytime I went out there. And then I learnt to enjoy the game and used the experience. Obviuosly everyone wants to do well and give his best. You must accept that there will be times when things wouldn't go well for you. It is important to realise that the real joy isin playing the game and not worrying about the success and failure part of it.

Q: What is your assessment of the last one year?

A: In international crickcet, I was lucky that in one year I played in conditions so different. In almost all the Test playing countries I have experienced different people, different cultures, different conditions and different kind of bowling. I sort of grew up to tackle the challenges. I have been fortunate to have played so much cricket in my first year. Success does not come so easuly because you come up against people who have more experience and more knowledge than you. But you can only try and keep improving and maintain the standards you have set to compete with such people.

Q: Who influenced you?

A: Lot fo factors. My parents have been a great source of inspiration. It is ust the feeling of trying to do well for your country. I chose cricket as a profession in my life and I would like to compete with the best and to do that you have to be tough mentally. The real job satisfaction comes from playing against the best people in your profession and competing favourably with them.

Q: Did you visualise this kind of scenario?

A: You don't visualise. I started off dreaming to be a regular member in the team. It is nice it has happened. I still have a lot more to prove and achieve bvefore I could be considered as a good player. I have a lot to do still, and I would like to think I have done a little bit for myself and my country in the last one year.

Q: How did you learn to adapt?

A: You have to adapt. I have always maintained that if you consider yourself as one of the top six batsmen in the country then you would have to be prepared to bat at any position. I understand it is not easy to find the right position for everyone in the team but you can manage to adjust when you are young. And I have always accepted the responsibility to bat anywhere. I like this as a challenge. If you take pride in being among the top six batsmen of the country then you should be able to bat at any position. I have payed at lamost every position in the top six. It is a nice feeling and I can take strength from it for the future.

Q: But having a stable position does help.... ?

A: Obviously, anyone would like to bat in one position because it helps a lot. You can prepare better for it mentally. I am comfortable in the middle order. Maybe opening can be difficult because it requires different demands.

Q: What about your number three position?

A: Number three is a crucial position. You never know when you would be in. SOmetimes you could be in second ball of a match. You learn to play accordin got situations, attack or defend as the situation demands. You have to lift your game. It is a repsonsible position and I hope I will be able to do my best.

Q: What are your plans in the off season?

A: I have been laying quite well. I know I can improve and learn form every series. Hopefully during the off season I can talk to people and tighten my game a bit. Maybe pay a few more shots. Yu got to keep improving because bowlers would have studied my game and would try to work me out. I have to be prepared and keep improving.

Q: It appears you have begunto curb your shots?

A: It has happened over the years. Maybe at number three you have to bat more cautiously. Not that I have tried to curb my shots. I have been up against some quality bowling and not been able to play my shots. I am a grafter and I know that is the way I can succeed best. There are times when the situation may demand for me to play more shots. Hopefully with time I shall be able to play more shots and make runs at a pace quicker than I did in the last one year. In the middle of my innings I should leanr to pick the ones and twos better which will ease the pressure a bit.

Q: Do you agree you tend to go into your shell?

A: I tend to go into my shell but that doesn't mean I have lost my shots. The pull is not easy to play on slow wickets. I don't hook too. I do tend to get bogged down and I need to pick the singles more. I think it will come with experience. Azhar and Sachin told me not to worry about not getting runs quickly. They told me it will come with time. The shots would improve and you would tend to adapt better. You got to keep an open mind. I talk to senior players and my coach (KK Tarapore). I try to talk to them because they are so experienced. It is nice to be able to talk to them and to gain from their knowledge. They have been really helpful but in the end you got to sort out these problems yourself. You are the best judge to see what works for you. That's the way I look at it. I like to analyse and think about an innings. What I could have done to improve. Talk to teammates and know what they feel. I try to talk to the bowlers to get their reading about me. I like to analyse the series and the season. In the time off, I can work on what needs to be done.

Q: Do you know Sachin Tendulkar has a high regard for you?

A: It is ncie to know that the captain has high expectations from me and has the confidence in my abilities. It sort of motivates you to do your best. It has been a great experience playing with him this whole year and I have learnt a lot from him.

Q: How do you remain cool when batting?

A: I don't get angry quickly. I don't get excited quickly. My temperament has been like this from an early age. I have tried the trial and error method. If you get angry you can't perform to your best. I don't think about what others do or say. As far as possible I try and just concentrate on my batting and not worry about things around me.

Q: Who do yu bank on for help?

A: My coahc mr Tarapore from my young age and everytime I go to him for advice. I talk to fellow players and like to get their views. I talk to a lot of people and get ideas.

Q: You read a lot. How does it help?

A: Reading helps a lot really. I have always been a good reader. It keeps your mind off the game, Reading is a less taxing way to keep your mind off the game. I really enjoy reading, it gives me a lot of pleasure.

Q: Do you set goals?

A: Even if I set goals, I like to keep them to myself. I wanted to be an important part of the Indian team, become a regular member and try and contribute towards the success of the team abroad. Nothing pleases me more than India winning. I workl hard to improve the standards I have achieved. I have tried to do the best according to the abilities I have. My aims have to become higher since I have been playing for one year now. I must try and become a match-winner.

Q: Which were your best moments?

A: When you grow up as a batsman you always want to socre a Test hundred. That's why I always cherish my first Test hundred. Also the 84 in the triangular final at Durban. I could do well in Tests and also at the one-day level. These two knocks have been special to me.

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