In 2004’s Multan Test, a memorable event took place when Virender Sehwag scored an astonishing 309 which is the first time any Indian cricketer had achieved a test triple-century. However, it became one of the contentious moments in Indian cricket history. At 675/5 with Sachin Tendulkar still scoreless on 194 runs, captain Rahul Dravid made up his mind to declare his team’s first innings. The ace batsman was only six runs short of what could have been his second double century ever and that left him significantly unsatisfied; thus this decision provoking expression of disappointment from fans and analysts alike. Now former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra addressed this issue recently where he mentioned how Tendulkar was truly unhappy.
“I’m not certain if I was there during that discussion and even though I remember dressing room conversation at that time, it was out of reach considering my age then. And yes paaji was unhappy that day, which is why I think that was the first time I saw him unhappy. I’ve never seen him quite lose his cool but understandably when he walked out I noticed something wasn’t right,” Chopra said speaking on 2 Sloggers’ YouTube channel.
Chopra also stated that the innings declaration was a collective decision of the team and not just Dravid. He went on to mention that Sourav Ganguly, though he didn’t play, was in their minds during that discussion.
“Rahul did call, but Dada (Ganguly) was part of the dressing room that day too. He wasn’t playing in that game, but he was in dressing room and I’m sure he was part of the think-tank. It wasn’t the captain’s decision alone,” said Chopra.
“After the game, Rahul did say that he wouldn’t have declared had he known the match would end within 4 days. That is why with Rahul there is a possibility at the moment you agree or disagree maybe because of excitement. But you cannot doubt his judgement because you know even if he were in his shoes he would take similar steps.”
Chopra also mentioned that it was not just Dravid who made the call on declaring but the entire team rather.P nj often than p not playing the match but he was in the dressing room. It was Sourav Ganguly who made part of their think-tank when they made the decision.
Rahul did write this down but Dada (Ganguly) was part of the dressing room that day as well. He didn’t play that game but he was in there and therefore I’m sure that he was part of their think tank.” It was not just a captain’s decision,” insisted Chopra.
“Rahul did say afterwards that if he knew a draw would have happened after four days then he wouldn’t have declared.” With him one can argue or agree while they are hot-headed but one must not question what he decided on then . For even when confronted with a similar situation,it is certain that he will keep his stance.”
