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Rahul Dravid, the man who stood tall against some of the greatest bowling attacks in cricket history, has opened up on the two bowlers who tested him like no other. During his 16-year-long international career from 1996 to 2012, Dravid faced a galaxy of legends — from fiery pacers to crafty spinners. But in a candid conversation with Ravichandran Ashwin on Kutti Stories with Ash, he admitted that two names always stood out whenever he thought about the toughest opponents he encountered.
Rahul Dravid picks the toughest fast bowler he faced
When asked about the fast bowlers who challenged him the most, Dravid was clear in his choice. Dravid revealed that among pacers, it was Glenn McGrath who made batting feel like a constant examination. He explained that although he did face Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, it was during the latter stages of their careers. The former India captain acknowledged that those who encountered Akram in his prime described him as being ‘in a different league’ and Dravid himself could sense that from watching old footage. Yet even in his twilight years, Akram remained a dangerous bowler.
“As a fast bowler, it had to be Glenn McGrath. I thought McGrath was… I kind of played Wasim (Akram) and Waqar (Younis) at the back end of their careers. So it’s not kind of fair… People who played Wasim earlier say that he was in a different league, and I could imagine after seeing the videos, I can imagine… And even bowling at the back end of his career, he was damn good,” said Dravid.
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Dravid highlighted McGrath’s unique strength, stating his unerring line and length meant Indian star had to constantly guard his off stump. Dravid felt that McGrath’s stamina and discipline ensured he never gave batters easy scoring opportunities. He emphasized that facing McGrath was less about raw pace and more about the mental and technical examination he posed every single over.
“But I played McGrath at his peak. He was a phenomenal bowler. He challenged my off stump more than anyone ever did. Just being able to go close to the stumps, get the bounce and just the level of fitness… He was able to come at you right through the whole day. I have played faster bowlers than him, but in terms of consistency and skill, he must be the toughest bowler I’ve faced,” added Dravid.
Dravid on the spinner whose variations left little breathing space for him
When it came to spin, Dravid admitted there was no one tougher than Muttiah Muralitharan. The Sri Lankan wizard’s ability to turn the ball both ways and sustain long spells made him a constant threat. Dravid praised Muralitharan’s variety and deceptive skills. The doosra, in particular, made batting against him extremely tricky because it turned the opposite way from the off-spinner’s stock delivery.
“As a spinner, Muralitharan was the best bowler that I played against. Great skill. He had the ability to spin the ball both ways. Especially when he came round the wicket and got the doosra away from you. So, he was someone who was never tired and bowled really long spells. He kept at you and kept at you… and he is just a phenomenal spinner,” Dravid added further.
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