Life has come a full circle for Rahul Dravid. About two year ago, he took over as captain after a smooth coup and was in seventh heaven. Saurav was dumped, occasionally Sachin was considered unfit and along with the Australian guru, Dravid was apparently taking  India to the garden path.

 

Then in world cup 2007 the vision 2011 of Chappell took a beating. But still he and Dravid were in full command and Saurav and Sachin were villified as "senior mafias".

 

Now, not too many months later, Dravid is hanging for dear life, while Saurav and Sachin appear to be nearly indestructible. Even the proponents of "young brigade" (after 20-20 world cup) have fallen silent. They are only furtively looking at the third of the trio, i.e. Rahul Dravid.

 

Dravid faced similar crisis several years ago. Most of the selectors were against retaining him in ODI. But he still prevailed because a man fought for him and got him.

 

Alas, the same man can't save him now. Dravid himself had dislodged him from power a couple of years ago.

 

Aniruddha Sen

Mumbai