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Re-look into Dravid's dual role

Source: PTI
August 22, 2004 23:47 IST
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The Indian team management will take a re-look on Rahul Dravid's dual role as a batsman-keeper in the wake of a string of indifferent performances by the vice-captain.

Coach John Wright wondered after India's 66-run defeat to Pakistan on Saturday whether the twin responsibility of batting and wicketkeeping is affecting Dravid's performance as a batsman.

"His batting had actually flourished in the last season (with the responsibility of keeping). But now we have an issue going forward," Wright said on Saturday.

"In Sri Lanka, it was certainly difficult for him to keep doing the two things in hot and humid conditions. In these conditions though he can fulfill the twin responsibility.

"But we would have to look at the theory we have embraced lately. After we play these one-day engagements, we then play six Tests in a row this summer. So once these one-day engagements are over (after the Champions Trophy) we need to take a hard look at ourselves," he said.

The coach also came down hard on his players for not being able to play the "spin-situation better".

"We don't seem to be playing the spin-situation well. We have to look at the options we are taking, whether we should be hitting straight than square. We have been disjoined and that's an area of concern," the coach said.

India were unable to come to terms with even part-time spinners like Thilanga Dilshan and Upul Chandana in the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka last month.

The trend seems to have been carried ahead in this tri-series with Shoaib Malik (3 fror 25) and Shahid Afridi (4 for 20) wreaking havoc on the Indians.

Wright accepted his team had played "below par" yesterday and was getting bogged down in chasing targets.

"It was a below par performance. It hurt us all. We have not quite hit our straps this summer. Particularly we have been exposed chasing totals. We really haven't set a platform and those who come at number six or seven don't find the asking rate too easy."

Wright refused to believe that Sachin Tendulkar's injury-induced absence was the reason for his team's defeat.

"We are philosophical about injuries. That's part of everyday cricket. We have played and won matches without Tendulkar. You have to get on with things."

Wright also wanted his boys to improve their intensity in coming games.

"Our intensity in the Asia Cup, but for couple of matches, could have been better. We were not good in the early stages and then in the finals. We need to keep reminding on working intensity.

"I am not a coach who tolerates comfort zone and certainly that's something we have talked about," said the former New Zealand captain.

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