There is a widely-held perception that India and Sri Lanka have met too often in recent times. At a time when it feels that there is almost too much cricket, it makes it doubly difficult to recollect a series between the two sub-continental teams.
Yet, the upcoming three-Test series is likely to have a longer shelf life for two reasons. It will be Virat Kohli’s first full-fledged series as skipper and also Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara’s last.
And to ensure that there is no stone left unturned in a bid to make an auspicious beginning, the 26-year-old Kohli flew down south to play a practice game against the visiting Australia ‘A’ team. At the end of which on Saturday, he was seen taking lessons on the sweep shot — a staple for anyone looking to master the sub-continental spinners — from none other than Rahul Dravid.
“I would just say that every tour is important,” Dravid told the assembled media. “I don’t think we need to make this more important. So he has to try and do the best he can. He can only work with the team he has got and focus on getting the best out of them.”
“Sometimes things will not go well and sometimes it will. He is obviously very keen (to do well). So it was great for him to come in and play a game here. The time he spent here will do him a world of good. He is excited and looking forward.”
Marker of a changeThe series is also perceived as a marker of a change in the Indian team’s approach towards the game — into that of an aggressive unit closely mimicking its captain’s persona. However Dravid sought to draw the line.
“I think you have to be who you are. The beauty of this game is that it allows different people to succeed. Most people who succeed in this game over a period of time are aggressive. It’s just that they show it differently. Some are more expressive and some are not.”
There has also been much talk on the form of Cheteshwar Pujara, one who was deemed Dravid’s natural successor at No. 3, and the Saurashtra batsmen didn’t do much to allay fears in the match against Australia.
“I am not going to be discussing technical issues of an individual,” said Dravid. “But we are constantly in conversation with Pujara, and working on a few things. It’s nothing drastic and major. He just needs some time in the middle. It was unlucky that he got run out here. Hopefully if he plays the side game in Lanka and spends some time, it will help. We are working, he is working and he is a very aware cricketer.”
Spin cupboard not barrenIn the lead-up to the series when two 30-year-olds in Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra were selected, there was talk of the Indian spin cupboard being virtually empty. However, Dravid did not seem to entirely agree.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a worry,” Dravid said of bench strength in general.
“We will have ups and downs but there is some exciting talent too. You can’t judge them based on every single game.”
“I have been quite happy to see some spin talent. (Pragyan) Ojha came back and bowled well. Shreyas Gopal has potential. Jayant Yadav is an exciting talent. Then there are Axar (Patel) and Karn (Sharma). So there is a group that’s coming through. So it’s not as bleak as it seems.”
