After scoring 461 runs in four Tests, with three centuries and an average of 76.83 against England last year, retirement would have been the last thing on Rahul Dravid's mind.
But Sourav Ganguly believes Dravid should have announced his retirement after the disastrous series in England that India lost 4-0.
Ganguly said: “Dravid should not have waited for the series in Australia. In any case, I think it is a right decision. I am not surprised.”
Ganguly, who arrived in the Capital to lead Bengal against Delhi in Saturday's Vijay Hazare Trophy semifinal match, said: “Dravid has made a statement to the selectors that it is time for a change in Indian cricket. Losing eight overseas Tests is never a good sign.”
Favourite knock
Ganguly picked Dravid's 180 against Australia in Kolkata in 2001 as his favourite. “I have seen many of his 100s. The one at Headingly (148) was good but the situation was more difficult in Kolkata,” he said.
On replacements
When asked if India had the replacements for Dravid, Ganguly said: “You will not get another Dravid. It takes over 13,000 Test runs, over 10,000 runs in ODIs and 16 years to make a Rahul Dravid.”
Sehwag's respect
Virender Sehwag was all reverence for a “very honest” Dravid.
“I have a lot of respect for him. Dravid left cricket on his own terms. I learnt a lot as a player, and on how to remain humble and grounded (from Dravid).”
Sehwag described Dravid as a “fantastic batsman, especially overseas.”
“I feel proud and privileged to have played alongside him,” Sehwag said.
