Mumbai, Sep 6: When sporting legends depart, memories flow in form of tributes, like they have since Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman called time on their Test careers. Their incredible batting abilities, fine humane qualities and undefiled character have inspired many an encomium. But their former teammate and long time friend, Anil Kumble, remembers Dravid and Laxman for making him India’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, by latching on to all the catches that came their way in the slips, silly point and short-leg.
Of Kumble’s 619 Test victims, 81 have been dismissed caught by Dravid and Laxman combined.
|
|
Matches |
Catches |
Match/catch |
Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rahul Dravid |
107 |
55 |
1.94 |
32.94 |
|
VVS Laxman |
84 |
26 |
3.23 |
28.53 |
In a chat with bcci.tv, Kumble described how the assuredness that the two men brought to the field, made his life easier as a spinner. He also spoke of the understanding he shared with Dravid and Laxman; this meant there was little need for verbal communication between the bowler and his fielders.
The bond
I shared a very good partnership with both Rahul and Laxman on the field and off it as well. We played cricket together for 15-16 years and shared a lot of time together, had meals together and had some happy moments.
The understanding
Rahul and Laxman were brilliant for me as close-in fielders. Most of the times, they knew exactly what I was going to bowl. I never had to discuss my bowling plans with them or instruct them particularly. At times, I told them if I wanted them to stand a bit straighter or wider, but mostly they were very precise in positioning themselves.
The sense of security
For a spinner to succeed it’s very important to have good close-in fielders and I was very lucky to have quite a few. Rahul and Laxman were among the best. They expected a catch off every ball. They weren’t afraid to stand close to the bat and gave their 100 percent in the field. As a bowler the last thing you want is to worry about having a slip fielder who is not really alert. That was never on my mind. From the team’s perspective as well, it boosts everyone’s confidence if someone pulls off a half chance and changes the course of the game.
The bowler’s wrath
I did, at times, put pressure on the fielders with my stingy attitude towards conceding runs. But it was all in the game and then you forget about it. It wasn’t that I was the best fielder in the team. As a bowler you have a plan and you don’t want the batsmen to rotate the strike. It’s always easy for a bowler when he’s bowling at the same batsman for longer periods so that you can set him up. If an easy single is conceded or a catch is dropped, you do get upset.
Rahul, the zen
Rahul’s concentration and focus was unbelievable. It was impossible for me to be that focused. And the amount of work that he put in, in order to prepare himself for a match, was really inspirational.
VVS, the optimist
What I liked the most about Laxman was that he was extremely positive no matter what the situation was. He never worried about how the pitch was and how it would behave. Everybody has their inhibitions and nervous feelings about certain types of pitches. If Laxman had any, he never expressed that in the team environment. He bailed India out of trouble on innumerable occasions with his positivity and calmness.
A dignified exit
I really admire the way both, Rahul and Laxman retired – they went out on their own terms, and I really appreciate that. Laxman could’ve easily played the Test series against New Zealand and then gone on a high. But he never looked at things from a personal perspective. Both men always kept the team’s interest above their own. When the two of them batted together, the dressing room would be totally relaxed. Rahul and Laxman will be sorely missed.
