Rahul Dravid is STILL my man to lead the Indian team, DESPITE the loss in Lanka.
He has grown to be India’s most consistent, reliable and smart batsman. He has performed EVERY TIME the chips are down, when the team is in a crunch. In Tests and in ODIs. He has shown that unlike others, HIS BATTING DOES NOT SUFFER WHEN HE IS THE SKIPPER. If nething, he enjoys the responsibility.
He has shown that he is by far, one of the most aggressive captains today. And aggression, I think, goes faaaar beyond waving ur jersey from teh balcony and shouting at your team-mates when they fumble ( quite ironic, when you rourself are a pathetic fielder ). Dravid has shown that he has the guts to take the attack to the opposition....with aggressive and innovative field placements and bowling changes. Frankly, I dont remember Ganguly or neone else being so aggressive and imaginative. His bowling changes and field placements send out a simple and clear message ’’ Im out to get you. Period.’’
The all-conquering Aussies have a trick wherein they always attack the rival captain, coz if he gets rattled the team eventually crumbles. Dravid, as we all wud agree, is respected the world over as someone who is the toughest nut to crack a-la-Steve Waugh. AFTER the miserable tour of Australia under Sachin, Steve Waugh had disclosed that they focussed on getting Rahul’s wicket as only he stood between them and victory.
Rahul has shown that he is a total team-man. He has the respect of all his team-mates and has ALWAYS led by example.
In this series, he led the team well. Unfortunately, a captain can do little about dropped catches and people who do not want to work hard for their runs. No one can accuse Dravid for being too placid with the field placements or the bowling changes. The support from the batsmen, I think was sporadic. I really think that Dravid should be given a fair run before we consider any other options.
Those who favour Sourav will argue that he took India to the WC finals. But then again, it was the very same Sourav Ganguly that lead India to the no.8 slot in the ICC ODI rankings ( just above Zimbabwe and Bangladesh ). So lets give Rahul some time before we critique his captaincy and call for his head. He has shown all the good signs so far... lets see where he goes from here...