Tuesday, December 16, 2008

A TREAT FOR YUVRAJ BUT DIAPPOINTMENT FOR DRAVID AFTER 1stTEST IN CHENNAI


In Mohali two men will have a contrasting view of the future after what happened in Chennai. Yuvraj Singh proved that he belonged to the Test arena but Rahul Dravid failed to overcome the ghosts of an unusually long run of failure and now faces an uncertain future.


For Yuvraj his unbeaten 84 on Monday was a moment of reckoning. He joined his childhood idol Sachin Tendulkar with the target still 163 runs away and victory rested on how well he supported his mentor. The southpaw passed the test and when they walked off the park, Yuvraj Singh knew he had been part of an unique moment.


"I thought if I could ever win a Test match with him (Sachin Tendulkar) and today that dream has come true," said Yuvraj after India won by six wickets against England.


However, on the other side of the coin is the conundrum surrounding Rahul Dravid's poor run of form; it has now become more than a passing headache.


He averages less than 30 this year in Tests but even if many believe his time has passed, his team continues to support the once formidable "Wall."


"Whatever people are saying about Rahul, is not worrying any of us. He is a great player and he will definitely score runs," stated Tendulkar.


But will Dravid repay that support. The selectors have reportedly assured Dravid, that his place is under no immediate threat although there may be a chance in his batting position. It's a move that many experts support.


"I would have him bat at number five. I will make him swap places with VVS Laxman and I will pick him for Mohali," Sunil Gavaskar told CNN-IBN.


So come Mohali, these two men face their own unique challenge. One to build on a reputation and the other to salvage lost pride.

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