'We timed it really well' - Rahul Dravid defends India's declaration timing in Kanpur Test

Rahul Dravid, the Indian head coach, brushed aside the claims of the team faltering with the timing of their declaration after the Kanpur Test ended in a thrilling draw. India declared their innings at 234/7 towards the fag end of Day 4, setting New Zealand 284 for the win.

The hosts needed nine wickets on the final day for victory, but could take only eight, with Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel resolutely blocking out 52 balls for the last-wicket stand before bad light denied India a chance to take a 1-0 lead.

Dravid, much like Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane, termed the timing of the declaration completely correct. “I don’t think so. That’s not my reading of the game,” Dravid told media during a virtual interaction on being asked if India missed the trick by not declaring earlier.

“Till half an hour before we declared, we were under pressure. All three results were possible, to be very honest with you.” India were reeling at 51/5 at one stage, before three consecutive half-century alliance for wickets no. 6-8 helped them to what looked like an insurmountable total.

“I thought we timed that declaration really well. We needed that partnership which was critical for us – from 167-7 to get to 234-7 was absolutely necessary,” Dravid said of the Wriddhiman Saha-Azar Patel stand for the seventh wicket while lauding Saha for his gritty half-century despite struggling with a stiff neck.

“If they were chasing 240 to 250 in approximately 110 overs, then they’re looking at 2.3 runs per over. That’s not a lot of runs on the last day if a couple of batsmen get set. I thought we did it well, we timed it well. We managed to get a wicket yesterday and we came very close today,” he added.

Shreyas had to work very hard and had to earn his debut cap: Radul Dravid

He had words of appreciation for debutant Shreyas Iyer, who became the 16th Indian to score a century on Test debut, and was adjudged the Player of the Match as he backed his first-innings effort of 105 with a half-century in the second innings.

“It’s great to see the young guys come through and perform straightaway on debut and we saw that with one or two of the players in T20 as well and they made a good account of themselves,” said Dravid.

“It’s great to see the young guys come through and perform straightaway on debut and we saw that with one or two of the players in T20 as well and they made a good account of themselves.”

Dravid, while lauding Iyer for grabbing the opportunities with both hands, admitted he was not even in the picture, and would not have been handed the debut cap if not for the last-moment injury to KL Rahul.

“Shreyas had to work very hard and had to earn it. It wasn’t easy for him. Of course, he averages over 50 in first-class cricket but he hadn’t played first-class cricket for 3 years. He wouldn’t have made the level if we haven’t had injuries and he has taken it (opportunity) with both hands and shown his qualities,” Dravid said.