By IANS
Kolkata : Former India skipper Rahul Dravid Tuesday said he hoped that his love affair with Eden Gardens would continue in the Test against Pakistan, commencing Nov 30.
“It is a venue where I have one of my most memorable innings. Laxman and myself helped us win against Australia,” Dravid said.
V.V.S. Laxman with an unbeaten 275 runs with Dravid, who batted for an undefeated 155, put on 357 runs for the fifth wicket that helped India defeat Australia in 2001.
Rahul also made his first century in Ranji here in 1991 and tonnes in both the innings against Pakistan the last time the two teams played here.
“I think it’s the venue that makes it so special. When 100,000 people back you, you want to show all your skills. I hope I can continue to play well here when we meet on Friday,” he said.
Talking to reporters during an inauguration ceremony at a photo exhibition here, Dravid, considered Mr. Dependant for India, said: “I love challenges. There is a certain desire and hunger in me that urge me to prove myself.”
“I surely enjoy pressure. Whenever I am on the back-foot, I see it as an opportunity to show my skills,” Dravid said.
Asked what records he wanted to set, Rahul said, “After playing for so long, one stops thinking about records. What matters is whether I can win matches and if I can do that I will be happy.”
He then went on to add that to succeed at the international level, one needed to “work hard, learn to stay focused, but most importantly love the game”.