He may have played his last international game three years ago and there may be a quite a few star cricketers here, but it is Rahul Dravid who draws the biggest cheers.
It is not often that a coach proves a bigger attraction than players who have excelled in big events like the World Cup and the IPL. But, then, not every coach is Dravid.
Every time he steps on to the field, young kids and the grown-ups applaud heartily. He acknowledges them, shakes hands with them and for the lucky ones among them, he signs autographs and poses for photographs.
Dravid says he is happy to be here. “It is a beautiful ground, with excellent facilities,” he said told The Hindu at the Wayanad Cricket Stadium, Krishnagiri, on Thursday, before the play on the third day of the second unofficial Test between India ‘A’ and South Africa ‘A’ commenced. “I think small centres like this should host more international cricket.”
He said that would go a long way in the development of the game. “You would get good crowds in such centres,” he said. “And it would inspire young cricketers from these places.” good cricket
He said the series had produced
Good cricket
“I think the wicket here has played well,” he said. “Even in the first match, there was almost a decisive result, though it would have gone against us.”
He was happy with the way India batted on the final day to save the game. “Karun Nair played an excellent innings, of course,” he said. “But I thought our opener Abhinav Mukund also batted very well.”
