Replying to the query in Marathi, Dravid began speaking in the same language but requested the scribe if he could answer in English. The journalist politely urged the Indian legend to continue speaking in Marathi, after which Dravid cracked a joke about being weak in the language.
Although born in Indore and raised in Bengaluru, Dravid hails from a Marathi-speaking Brahmin family. Coming back to the press conference, the head coach was asked about the high-scoring game in Pune. He began speaking in Marathi but suddenly added:
Heeding to the journalist’s request, Dravid continued speaking in Marathi. The query was about the number of big hits during the game in Pune. Dravid explained:
Batting first after losing the toss, Sri Lanka put up an impressive 206-6, courtesy of thrilling knocks from captain Dasun Shanaka (56* off 22) and opener Kusal Mendis (52 off 31). In response, India crumbled to 57-5 before Axar (65) and Suryakumar Yadav (51) gave the innings some much-needed momentum.
Axar struck six sixes, three of which came off consecutive deliveries in an over from Hasaranga - the 14th of the innings.
“Must-win games can only be good for a young side like us” - Rahul Dravid on decider
With the three-match series now level at 1-1, both t weamsill have everything to play for when they meet in the decider. Asked for his thoughts on the do-or-die game, Dravid said that such pressure contests would stand a young Indian side in good stead. He concluded:
India and Sri Lanka will meet in the third T20I at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Saturday (January 7).
0 votes
