Indian batsman Karun Nair who is the second Indian to score a triple century in Test cricket recently credited former India skipper Rahul Dravid for the impact he has had on his career. 

Karun played under Dravid in two IPL franchises (Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Daredevils). “I think he (Rahul Dravid) has played a big role in me becoming the cricketer that I am today because he was the one who gave me the opportunity in the IPL for Rajasthan Royals. For a legend like him to show so much faith and trust in a domestic cricketer like me, was really satisfying,” Nair said.

Stats: List of Records held by 'The Wall' Rahul Dravid in International Cricket

“It was a wake-up call to tell me, that I do belong in the IPL. I can play in the IPL. It was really encouraging, and a confidence boost for me, to get an opportunity under him,” he added.

When asked about playing for along with his statemate KL Rahul in the Indian team, the Karnataka batsman said, “Me and Rahul we started cricket together in under-13. We know each other for a really long time, close to 20 years. We share that bond. We understand each other’s games.”

The 28-year-old then added about their superb partnership in a Test match at Chennai by saying, “When I went into bat we were four wickets down for 250. Rahul was there so it was kind of a relief for me. He was already on 100, so I wanted to settle down and stitch a big partnership with Rahul. Unluckily for him he got out for 199, but he has really played a lot of good knocks after that.”

(With IANS inputs)