5 worst defeats for Rahul Dravid in ODIs

Even after scoring 13288 Test runs and 10889 ODI runs which included close to 50 international hundreds, Rahul Dravid will always be India’s unsung hero. He just used to turn up time and again, perform quietly without creating a buzz around but still had a big impact. He always tried to remain away from the limelight.

Dravid might have given the impression of being a classical Test player. But he more often than not found ways to score and succeed in One-Day cricket as well. In fact, the former No. 3 has the joint second-fastest ODI fifty by an Indian in ODI cricket.

However, even though he was a part of some famous wins, Dravid had his share of lows as well, especially when he was the captain.

Hence, let’s take a look at 5 of his worst defeats in ODIs.

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#5 Against Sri Lanka – 2005 (Indian Oil Cup Final)

Ashish Nehra was the only wicket-taker for India in the final.

In July-August 2005, Sri Lanka, West Indies and India were involved in a tri-series which was named Indian Oil Cup. India started off well with a couple of wins but faltered against Sri Lanka in their 3rd game. They eked their way into the finals (winning by 7 runs against West Indies in the last group encounter).

In the final, Sri Lanka decided to bat first after winning the toss. Despite losing wickets throughout their innings, the hosts put on a very good total of 281/9. Mahela Jayawardene (83), Russell Arnold (64) and Sanath Jayasuriya (67) struck the fifties.

Chasing 282, India were off to a flying start with Virender Sehwag racing off to 48 in just 22 balls and India reached 62 in the 7th over when Sehwag got out. Even after his dismissal, India went along very well as they reached 185/2 at the 35-over mark. With Dravid and Yuvraj batting well and a few more batsmen to come, 97 in 15 overs wasn’t a big ask. But a slew wickets derailed India’s chase and they fell 18 runs short as Sri Lanka’s bowlers brought them back in the game to lift the Indian Oil Cup.

#4 Against England – 2007 (Natwest Series 7th ODI)

Sachin Tendulkar was brilliant throughout the 7-match series but failed in the deciding game.

The year 2007 was a topsy-turvy one for India and in particular for Rahul Dravid. After a dismal show in the World Cup where they were knocked out in the group stage itself, India won a Test series in England after 21 years.

The ODIs followed and both England and India battled it out as the 7-match series was tied at 3-3. In the last game, India won the toss and batted first at Lord’s. None of the Indian batsmen capitalized on their starts as India were bundled out for just 187 with MS Dhoni top-scoring with 50. James Anderson, Andrew Flintoff and Dmitri Mascarenhas shared 8 wickets between them.

Defending a small total, RP Singh gave India some hope as he removed both openers in the 2nd over of the innings. But Ian Bell (36), Kevin Pietersen (71*) and Paul Collingwood (64*) took England home and helped them win the series 4-3.

#3 Against Australia (2006 - Champions Trophy)

The Australian team was dominant throughout the tournament in 2006.

After performing exceedingly well in the 2003 World Cup, India had become a little inconsistent. But when the 2006 Champions Trophy was in India, the expectations were higher.

After a convincing victory against England in the first game, India narrowly lost to West Indies in their 2nd game. Thus, it meant that their last league stage match against Australia became a virtual quarter-final. Batting first, India got off to a decent start. But wickets at regular intervals meant India could never accelerate. Thus, India ended up with 249 in their 50 overs with Sehwag (65) and Dravid (52) hitting crucial half-centuries.

In reply, Australia had little problems in chasing down 250 as the fifties from Shane Watson (50), Ricky Ponting (58) and Damien Martyn (73) helped Australia go through the semi-final and the quest for their maiden Champions Trophy title remained alive.

#2 Against West Indies – 2006 (2nd ODI)

Yuvraj Singh batted beautifully to take India close.

India started off 2006 very well. Series wins against Pakistan (4-1) and England (5-1) were excellent performances. They also started their Caribbean tour with a win in the first ODI. The second one was a thriller.

India who were chasing very well opted to field after winning the toss. The bowlers responded superbly as they kept the Windies batsmen in check as the hosts could manage only 198/9 in their 50 overs. And that too on the back of a fighting and unbeaten 98 from Ramnaresh Sarwan. Irfan Pathan took 3/45 and Ajit Agarkar and Ramesh Powar took two wickets each.

India, in reply, were rocked early as they were reduced to 60/4. This score soon turned into 134/7 and the game started slipping away. But Yuvraj Singh battled hard and batted beautifully to take India close. Even after wickets fell all around him, he showed great maturity to reduce the equation to 11 off the final over (with one wicket in hand).

Munaf Patel did well to take a single off the first delivery of the final over (which was bowled by Bravo). Yuvraj then struck two boundaries and suddenly India seemed favourites. But Bravo dished out a slow yorker on the fourth ball of the 50th over to dismiss Yuvraj Singh and win the game for West Indies.

After the heart-breaking loss, India never managed to make a comeback as they lost the series 4-1.

#1 Against Bangladesh – 2007 (World Cup)

Bangladesh players rejoice after taking Rahul Dravid's wicket.

The game against Bangladesh in the 2007 World Cup was undoubtedly one of the worst defeats for Dravid in his career. India entered the mega event as one of the favourites. With Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bermuda in their group, India were expected to qualify for the next round without any problems.

However, Bangladesh left India stunned in their opening game of the tournament. Batting first, India were skittled out for just 191. Sourav Ganguly top scored with 66 (in 129 balls). Yuvraj Singh was the other significant contributor (he made 47). Apart from these two, none of the other batsmen stood up as the ‘Men in Blue’ folded up for a below par score.

Chasing a modest total, Bangladesh were off to a solid start as Tamim Iqbal stroked his way to a 53-ball 51. Even though Bangladesh were made to work hard for every run, they were always ahead and scampered past the target in the 49th over to cause one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. Shakib Al Hasan (53) and Mushfiqur Rahim (56*) consolidated on the solid start as they guided their team to a memorable win.