Rahul Dravid, nicknamed “The Wall” was known for his ability to bat for long periods and cut down on the risky strokes that could end in him getting dismissed. The Indian faced as many as 31258 balls in his career – the most by any cricketer in the history of the game – but had managed to hit only 21 maximums in his 164-Test match career.
One of those sixes was ‘timed’ almost to perfection – right after the commentator Arun Lal re-emphasized on air that the Indian batsman would not look to go over the top off the bowling of Danish Kaneria during the second Test match against Pakistan in Kolkata in 2005.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the Indians were well placed with the top-order in fine nick. Virender Sehwag had raced away to a quick 81 in 114 deliveries, and though Gautam Gambhir was out for 29, the duo of Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar got together to stitch a 122-run stand.
Dravid, who ended with 110 in 222 deliveries, did the unthinkable when he was on 83 as he smashed Kaneria over his head for a huge six. Though the Indian had looked in control till then, he seemed to be in a spot of bother against the Pakistani’s flighted leg breaks and the attacking field that had been set in place. Lal, along with Rameez Raja in the commentary box, noticed how the bowler was trying to drag Dravid out of his crease to play a rash shot.
Lal, however, also observed that the batsman would not be looking to go over the top, considering the rather sedate approach he adopted while playing Tests for India. “He is not going to go over the top as long as he is getting runs in an orthodox way and risk free cricket”.
But even before the statement could be completed, Dravid lofted the very next delivery over mid-on for a classy six, which left Lal and Raja in splits.
India eventually went on to win the game by 195 runs as India took a lead in the three-match series.
Watch the six here:
