It was quite amusing to see the reactions to the innings that Dravid churned today. Some were in for some heavy criticism, for having scored so slow, the kinds who obviously have little or no consideration to the tight line by Flintoff and a Mohali track that is far from dead. Others glorified it as a comeback of sorts, going as far as to suggest that the Wall had returned to form. And perhaps one innings does separate you from being in-form and out-of-form. Although form is not exactly what you would think of when you consider Mr. Rahul Sharad Dravid.

The Sehwags of our generation are the kind of players who rely on form, timing and seeing the ball well to score big. Dravid, however, is reliant on his disciplined approach to accumulating runs coupled with good technique. His horrid performance this year has been a result of poor decisions - partly on the umpires’ part as well, but poor shot selection. When you’re “in-form”, even a reckless shot can fetch you runs. Dravid is hence what you would call a class-player and not a form-player.

I’ve previously suggested that Dravid needs to quit his game, and I think it’s fair to say that I must retract my statement. Looking at today’s innings, the one good thing about it is the fact that he grew in confidence and started middling the ball well, seeing it early. Whether Dravid has returned to form or not is irrelevant. Whether Dravid must quit is also irrelevant. But there is no doubt in the fact that the batsman that goes to bed today is the same he was yesterday, except that he sleeps with the knowledge that, in words immortalized by of a newly elected President, ‘yes he can’. And it is with this little knowledge that Dravid has, and hopefully will, make his bat do the talking and strengthen the Wall that until yesterday seemed fragile.

Meanwhile, spare a thought for Kevin Pietersen who now cannot discount the Dravid factor anymore. Couple that with his rib injury and Stuart Broad’s flawed radar (or genuine intent to bowl wide outside off) and things look gloomy as ever for the visitors.

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