Rahul Dravid, a fine example of a Gentleman, Cricketer and someone who strives for the Country all the time is showing great talent as a Captain in spite of loosing two one dayers in Srilanka.
Defensive, highy technical and calculated in his approach in both forms of the game with the best temperament and class, he has nothing more to prove to the pundits (he has an average of 59 in tests and has an average of 60 in the last one year in One day Intls), but is donning the role of Captain beautifully. His intelligence & knowledge of the game are great assets.
Aggression should be in mind and not in behaviour as he has proved in the last few days though the team lost due to poor batting and lack of quality fifth bowler. His handling of Bowlers was impeccable in the three games. He kept pressure on the Batsman all the time in spite of inadequate total and his field setting was immaculate. How many times have we seen Captains setting tight close in field after 15 overs in One day game.
The handling of Irfan and Nehra was simply superb which gave them confidence to do better and strive in difficult conditions. He brought in Ganguly just to fill those troublesome fifth bowler overs. He gave Dhoni a fabulous chance by bringing him in before him which he failed to utilize.
Modern game is changing and flexibility is the key and you can find this in Greg Chappell and Dravid Combo as the game has to be played according to the day, situation, opposition and not monotonously which you could find in Chanderpaul and Attapatu’s Captaincy, but Srilanka won purely because of performance of Jayasuriya, Dilshan and Jayawardane, Mahurruf and Chandana.
Sehwag has failed to deliver in the three matches while Laxman & Yuvaraj were found wanting in technique in these conditions. The only mistake Dravid did I suppose was not to have Venu bat at No 3 where he would have given solidity with his technique, perhaps Dravid did not have confidence on the youngster yet.One day cricket is all about rotating strike all the time which Indians are still to learn except Dravid, Sachin and Kaif to some extent.However you need great talent to do this and have to have strokes across the circle.
Unfortunately India could have benefited immensely if the new ICC rules were implemented as Kumble would have been brought in as substitution in all three games and pressure could have been mounted by fifth bowler as well.
These are lessons learnt from the first week in Srilanka and let us hope Dravid as Captain brings the cup to India and Sehwag delivers with Bat and ball.