By IANS
Bangalore : Bangalore boy Rahul Dravid’s decision to step down as captain of the Indian cricket team has come as a big surprise to the people here preparing to celebrate Ganesha Chaturti (worship of the Elephant-headed God) Saturday.
The mood was already dampened by the heavy rains lashing the city since Thursday evening, leading to huge traffic snarls, and Friday’s announcement by Dravid has made things rather dismal.
“I am surprised at his decision. Maybe, criticism of his captaincy, particularly not enforcing a follow-on during the Oval Test against England, has hurt him badly,” said S. Deepika, a college student and an avid cricket fan.
“He should not have taken this decision though pressure on the captain of Indian cricket team is immense,” said K. Nataraj, an officer in a nationalised bank.
V Subramani, a programmer in a leading IT firm and an ardent fan of ‘The Wall’, said he was sad that his hero has decided to quit after a not-so-good tour of England. “Yes, we won the Test series against England after over two decades on their soil, but failed to pull off a victory in the one-dayers. I hope the BCCI will persuade Dravid to continue.”
While Bangaloreans were very forthcoming with their comments on Dravid’s move, many of his team-mates and immediate past colleagues shut themselves away from the media.
Dravid’s parents too remained incommunicado, leaving a message on their answering machine in response to telephone calls to their residence.
Leg-spinner Anil Kumble and former medium pacer Javgal Srinath too were not available for comments while former Test batsman Gundappa Vishwanath declined to say anything, pleading he was not well.
Former Test batsman and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) secretary Brijesh Patel and president Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wodiyar said Dravid’s decision was indeed a surprise.
Both told IANS that they have not met or talked to Dravid after his return from the England tour.
Speaking to IANS over phone from Delhi, Wodiyar said he did not think Dravid was under any pressure to quit.
Patel only offered “I do not know, I have not met him”, when asked whether Dravid’s decision was the result of pressure.