Former India head coach and batting legend Rahul Dravid opens up about the captains who shaped his journey and the bowlers who tested even his flawless technique.
New Delhi, August 22 – Rahul Dravid, India’s batting wall and one of the finest gentlemen the sport has ever seen, has reflected on his playing days, opening up about the captains he cherished playing under and the bowlers who pushed him to his very limits.
Speaking on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube show “Kutti Stories with Ash”, the 52-year-old revisited memories of his formative years, his battles with world-class bowlers, and the leaders who influenced his journey.
While Dravid donned the captain’s armband himself and played under several greats like Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble, and MS Dhoni, he singled out Vakkadai Biksheswaran Chandrasekhar (VB Chandrasekhar) as the skipper who left the deepest impression on him during his early career.
“I really enjoyed playing cricket under VB Chandrasekhar. I was at an impressionable age in my career. I learnt a lot playing league cricket under him in Tamil Nadu. His competitiveness and desire to win were infectious. VB was really one of the early captains I enjoyed working with,” Dravid said, paying tribute to the former India and Tamil Nadu cricketer who also played seven ODIs for India.
Captains Who Shaped Indian Cricket
Dravid did not shy away from acknowledging the impact of other leaders.
He credited MS Dhoni for his calm management skills, especially during a challenging transition period for Indian cricket. “I thought Dhoni was really good. At the backend, the way he managed… Not an easy transition for him, going from a young man to captain senior players,” Dravid reflected.
On Sourav Ganguly, Dravid said, “He brought clarity and an aggressive desire to win, which changed Indian cricket in many ways.” He also praised Anil Kumble, calling him “a clear communicator and a thoughtful leader.”
Each of these skippers, Dravid admitted, left an indelible mark on his career.
The Bowlers Who Troubled “The Wall”
Despite being renowned for his watertight defense and rock-solid technique, Dravid confessed that some bowlers consistently tested his patience and skill.
“As a fast bowler, it would be Glenn McGrath. I faced Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, but mostly at the backend of their careers. People said Wasim in his prime was on another level, and I can only imagine. But McGrath, at his peak, was phenomenal. He challenged me at the off-stump like no one else ever did,” Dravid revealed.
Among spinners, it was none other than Sri Lankan legend Muthiah Muralidaran. “He was the best spinner I ever faced. His skill to bowl both ways, his ability to sustain pressure, and his never-tiring energy made him a phenomenal opponent. He kept coming at you,” Dravid said.
From Shane Warne’s guile to Shoaib Akhtar’s pace, from James Anderson’s swing to Shaun Pollock’s discipline, Dravid has stood tall against the very best. Yet, it was McGrath and Muralidaran who left the biggest mark on his cricketing journey.
Rahul Dravid’s reflections remind fans why he remains one of the most respected voices in world cricket. His honesty, humility, and sharp cricketing mind continue to inspire the next generation, much like his batting once did – steady, resilient, and unforgettable.