4 underrated innings of Rahul Dravid

#3 180 vs Australia, 2nd Test, Kolkata 2001

Have you ever thought of a team winning after following-on? The answers would be no more often than not. This match is one such match though that stood out for India's comeback. A better recognition to this match could be VVS Laxman’s 281. This innings of VVS Laxman should be inscribed in history for sure as it is a one-of-its kind innings in cricketing history. Though Laxman deserves all praise, the role of Rahul Dravid in this innings is really invaluable, as he hit an amazing 180 runs while partnering with Laxman for more than 100 overs.

Australia posted 445 runs on the board in their first innings and India were bundled out for just 171 runs. With 274 runs behind, hardly anyone would have guessed that India would win this match. It was pure brilliance from Laxman and Dravid who made this a memorable match for the Indians. Dravid’s contribution was much more important as it came at the time when the middle order were succumbing to yet another fall.

India were reeling at 232-4 at one stage before Dravid and Laxman added 376 runs for the fifth wicket. Dravid’s knock of 180 came in 353 balls with 20 fours. Australia had to survive 75 overs on the final day to draw or chase 384 to win. Neither of them happened as Harbhajan’s 6-wicket haul helped team India to defeat them by 171 runs.

Though Laxman and Harbhajan deserve the praise they get, one should not forget Dravid’s knock without whom this sensational victory wouldn’t have happened.