Bangalore: Former India captain Rahul Dravid expressed hope on Tuesday that Sachin Tendulkar would continue to shoulder responsibility now that he (Dravid) and VVS Laxman have retired.
India’s first real challenge without the experienced batting duo comes against New Zealand in a two-Test series that begins on August 23 in Hyderabad.
“Sachin has been burdened with responsibility and has been carrying it on his shoulders for the last 16 years. I hope he will continue to do it (in the India-New Zealand series),” he told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
On Laxman’s retirement, Dravid said that the stylish Hyderabad batsman has been a great cricketer for India and it was a privilege and an honour to have played with him.
Laxman meant so much for Indian cricket, not only with his performances on the field, but also just a kind of a person he has been off it, Dravid said.
“Laxman has been known for his ideas. The way he has carried himself, the way he has prepared, his practice.
“I think he has been a great inspiration for a lot of young kids who have been in the team with us. I am sure they have watched Laxman a lot and they have learnt a lot from Laxman. I hope some of these guys will go on to emulate [him],” he said.
Meanwhile, in Hyderabad, one of the youngsters in the team, Cheteshwar Pujara spoke of his admiration for both Dravid and Laxman.
“Not only us, all the cricket lovers will miss them. Both VVS and Dravid have set benchmarks. It’s a huge inspiration for the youngsters in the side. If we can atleast try and emulate it, it would really help,” he said in an interview.
Pujara was the obvious choice after Dravid’s retirement in March. Now that Laxman surprisingly retired ahead of the Hyderabad Test, the middle-order batsman feels the youngsters need to live up to the challenge.
“I’ll look to perform and contribute to India’s winning cause,” Pujara said. Pujara along with Suresh Raina and Subramaniam Badrinath are in contention for the two vacant slots in the team. (PTI)