Indian team’s head coach Rahul Dravid jokingly said that he is not getting any younger when asked about the birthday wishes and messages he received from his family, friends, and the world of cricket.
Dravid briefly spoke to the broadcasters on his special day as he was overseeing the final phase of Indian team preparation ahead of the third and final Test at Cape Town.
In a conversation with former Zimbabwe pacer Pommie Mbangwa, Dravid talked about his birthday and shared the thoughts of his fans from across the globe. Dravid celebrated his 49th birthday on Tuesday ahead of the series decider of India vs South Africa.
"As you get older you don't know what to feel when it's your birthday. You are a year older. But it's nice, some nice wishes from friends, family, and fans. So very grateful for all of that," Dravid said.
Dravid’s fans and former cricketers took over the social media to wish the legendary player on his special day and recall their favorite memories together.
When asked about his role in the Indian dressing room, Dravid answered he doesn’t have to cheer or motivate the Indian players ahead of an important series finale. He also pointed out that the mood of the team was rather upbeat despite the defeat in the 2nd Test.
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Team India started the tour with a victory at The Centurion, they became the first Asian side to do so, but they lost the 2nd Test by 7 wickets at Johannesburg in the absence of Virat Kohli. South African captain Dean Elgar helped their team in chasing a total of 240 runs in the final innings at The Wanderers.
"At this level, you don't motivate people to play the game. If I am having to do that before a big Test match with the opportunity to create history, then we have got the wrong people," Dravid said.
"The spirit has been good in the team, we could've contributed more with the bat in the first innings (2nd Test), in the second, shot-selection could've been better. But the team's good, the guys have been looking forward to the series and playing some good cricket. We know we are in the middle of a tough series and it’s exciting to be in these kinds of games, series. Whichever way it goes, it's a great game to be part of," he added.
Team India won the toss and opted to bat first on the 1st day of the final Test at the Newlands. Captain Virat Kohli is back in the playing XI, replacing Hanuma Vihari. Umesh Yadav replaced injured Siraj in the XI against South Africa.
