Rahul Dravid denies reports of rift in Team India
India's batting stalwart Rahul Dravid on Wednesday denied the reports of rift in Team India saying such rumours are one of the repercussions of team's defeat.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: January 11, 2012 11:46 AM IST
India's batting stalwart Rahul Dravid on Wednesday denied the reports of rift in Team India saying such rumours are one of the repercussions of team's defeat.
On Tuesday, Australian newspaper Herald Sun had blamed Virender Sehwag of dividing the team. "Virender Sehwag is the man polarizing opinions in the Indian rooms." The paper quoted Australian pacer Ryan Harris as saying that the "Indians were fighting among themselves" and the team does not have (any) unity.
"When you are 0-2 down, this is what happens. Nothing seems right but there is no truth to those comments," Dravid said.
One of the good things about touring aboard is that you are in a cocoon. You are away from all that's happening in India. We are disappointed (with the loss) but the spirit is high. There is no additional pressure as we have played a lot of cricket. The focus is really on playing the game," he added.
Dravid also hit back at the media for slamming the Indian team for going for go-karting instead of practicing, although he was not party to the team's outing. "I don't think we have had any formal session. Lot of conversations happened when we went for go-karting etc," he said.
Each one has to have his own idea. What you have gone through and what's got you success etc. No point Viru playing like me. Each one of us is different," he added.
When asked if Australian bowlers have succeeded in creating pressure on the Indian batsmen with lots of dot balls and maiden overs, Dravid said: "They have bowled well. You have to give credit where credit is due. If you are bowling well and in the right areas, you are bound to trouble even the best batsmen in the world."
"Hopefully they will give us a half volley," he said jokingly.
Dravid, who turns 39 today, also said that he had no plans for his birthday. "Any number scares you after 39. Till 40 I'm ok," Dravid said with a smile.
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