Ex-India skipper feels criticism of Binny's bowling is unfair since conditions at Trent Bridge did not suit his style of bowling, adding he will get a better chance at Lord's to prove his prowess with the ball
Stuart Binny and (inset) Rahul Dravid
Former India skipper Rahul Dravid became the 47th member to get elected to the prestigious Laureus World Sports Academy yesterday. He spoke to mid-day over the phone from London after his induction. Excerpts:
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Rahul Dravid
Q. On the challenges that await India at Lord's
A. Lord's will provide a different set of challenges to what one saw at Trent Bridge in the first Test. The conditions will be a little different and the pitch could be of greater help to the pace bowlers. I am looking forward to an exciting game.
Q. On MS Dhoni's captaincy in the context of Ian Chappell calling for a change at the helm
A. I have been saying this often. Dhoni is the right man to take India forward. We saw this in the last two series. Under him India are making progress and going forward. A lot of people keep complaining about the past losses in England and Australia. But now he has a young team and is doing a good job. As far as Virat is concerned, his time will come.
Q. On the Anderson-Jadeja controversy
A. I came to know about the episode in the morning today when I read the papers. From what I read, there have been pretty serious allegations made, and the ICC must investigate it thoroughly. However, it would not be correct to draw similarities between previous incidents (referring to the jelly bean affair of 2007) with the current one. I would not like to connect them.
India's Stuart Binny takes on an England bowler in the opening Test at Nottingham. Pic/Getty Images
Q. On Stuart Binny's debut
A. Stuart, I feel, proved to everyone that he belongs to the international arena. People complained that he did not bowl enough. But that was simply because the conditions were not very suited to his style of bowling. I think he will get more chances at Lord's.
Q. On Indian openers Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan
A. The openers got off to a good start in the first Test but somehow Dhawan could not make it count. So we should not be too worried. I am happy for Vijay. He has worked very hard and he certainly deserved the 100. Hopefully, he will build up on that innings in the series.
Q. On R Ashwin's role in the side
A. Given Ravindra Jadeja's recent performances, it was difficult to leave him out of the side for the Trent Bridge Test. I am sure Ashwin will get his chance depending on the conditions.
Q. On his becoming a member of the Laureus Academy
A. It's a great feeling to become a member of the academy. I have followed it since the time I began playing cricket, and I am impressed with the initiatives they have undertaken. I will get opportunities to interact with the youth, so I am looking forward to it.
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