He is dad again: Congrats Rahul

Someone special has arrived in Rahul's life.On monday, Rahul Dravid and his wife Vijeta were blessed with their second child, a boy.The proud papa, who was home well in time, will surely have been told by now that Monday was Akshay Tritiya, a very auspicious day. 

Rahul had to leave his IPL team BRC after the match against Punjab.When he left, most of his Royal Challengers teammates were around to congratulate him in advance but the team management will now be sweating over his return."He is absolutely vital to our team structure and we would like him back as soon as possible," a member of the team management said on Saturday.  

Rahul, a lone fighter: BRC lose one more

The poor show from BRC's star players continues.The top order followed the below par performence from the bowlers.With some really good seamers like Steyn and Praveen Kumar, along with the all rounders Kallis and Ryder, one gets surprised to see the opponents crashing the ball out of the ground.Today, when Gilly started in his own fashion, even Pietersen couldn't hide his fear.Gilly's 71 was followed by blietzkrieg from Rohit Sharma.With a huge target of 185 to chase, it was expected from atleast one of the top order players to click.But, as usual, BRC lost 2 quick wickets and straight away went out of sync.When Rahul came in, the scorecard read 32/3 with required rate of 11.70 per over.Rahul started off with a few good shots to keep DC on their toes.He got a good partner in Virat Kohli, who made sure that the strike stays with Rahul.

Even though the task was impossible, both of them fought really hard to bring smile in the camp.In the end, Rahul got out on 48 (27 balls, 5 fours and 2 sixes).Kohli continued to fight, but could not turn the tables.

The future looks dark for BRC in IPL 2, unless the batsmen play upto their levels.The openers must stay at the wicket for as long as they can.Even the batting order needs to be changed by promoting Rahul up the order.

Rahul: Man of the Match

T20 was not meant for them.They always were compared to be the test/ODI players. In the end, the oldies proved that T20 is not just about power and speed.Today, when Sachin and Rahul played superb knocks for their respective teams ( in 2 different games ), one must say that "form is temporary, but class is permanent"! Even Anil Kumble proved his critics wrong; wrapping Rajasthan Royal's innings with brilliant 5/5  spell.

It was the first match for BRC and that too against the defending champions Rajasthan Royals.BRC continued their poor show with the bat, when Mascarenhas reduced them to 63/5.The Wall was standing tall on one end, the last hope for BRC and he didn't let them down.With a brilliant 66 (from 48 balls), he proved that he is still Mr.Dependable.Here is what Rahul said after the match: 

 

"I'm happy with the way I'm hitting it and it was good to get the team out of the hole. This was always going to be a good score in the conditions, you've got to play proper cricket, as it's not going to be easy hitting every ball. It all worked out well, and it was a good start to the tournament. The bowlers responded well and it was just brilliant."

Interview before IPL:

How much pressure is on you to undo the dismal season one record?

 Season one is history. In T20 cricket, every game requires a fresh start and the past will have no bearing on our performance this year.For me, personally, I did not do badly last year and I am very confident of a much better showing from my team this year.Also, now that I am not the skipper I can concentrate on my batting (typical Rahul Dravid answer!!!!).

How will you compare last year's team with this one?

We are certainly better equipped for T20 cricket this time round.We had a good team last year as well though our performances don't reflect that.With KP, Robin [Uthappa] and Jesse Ryder we have the necessary firepower in batting and with [Dale] Steyn in good form, [Nathan] Bracken back in full fitness and Praveen [Kumar] a much improved bowler, I'd say we have one of the best bowling line ups in the competition.

Why do you think people are crazy about IPL when Test matches have hardly attracted big crowds in India in 2008?

IPL offers a perfect day out. It is like a live movie - you have the entertainment, you have the stars, you have great action and it is all live.Test cricket is still the best test for any cricketer, but T20 is certainly the common man's passion and is a great thing for cricket at large.And this year you will also have the South African scenic beauty as an added attraction!

Rahul, you are soon to become a father again, all the very best ...

Many thanks. [It will] be lovely if I am able to do well in the tournament; a nice present for the new one.

Catch no.182: Rahul sets a world record

It has been a long wait.In the 1st test, Rahul equalled Mark Waugh's record of 181 catches.Since then, Rahul didn't get any opportuinity to cross the mark.Even in the 3rd test, when 1st innings saw kiwis edging the ball behind on several occasions, most of those went to M.S.Dhoni.

Finally, today, when McIntosh edged one to the 3rd slip where Rahul was standing.Rahul dived forward and low to take a smart catch.

Congatulations Rahul.You really deserved it!    

“I am happy, very happy. In fact, last night he called and spoke about the 60 he scored and I then jokingly asked him, ‘so when are you finishing the catching business?’ I am delighted that he made it his own.

The last few catches took some time but it has finally come through. It is a pleasure that he went past an acclaimed fielder like Mark Waugh.”

--Mr.Sharad Dravid  (Rahul's dad)

“He gives the same 100 per cent to his fielding which is often associated with his batting. He is an intense cricketer and his power of concentration never wavers through the day and that helps him to stay alert”

--Gundappa Vishwanath

“Rahul is one of the finest and safest close-in fielders I have seen. He anticipates well and it is a moment of pride for me that an Indian, and a player from Karnataka, has achieved this remarkable landmark”

--Syed Kirmani

182nd catch video

Some moments should be preserved.This is one of them.Rahul Dravid broke the record of Mark Waugh of maximum number of catches.