Thaindian News

Kolkata, Nov 14 (IANS) In rollicking form this season, India’s star batsman Rahul Dravid Monday gave credit to coach Duncan Fletcher for helping him with good suggestions which have worked and said it was great to have the Englishman in the dressing room.

Speaking to reporters after scoring a classy 119 - his fifth Test century in six months - on day one of the second cricket Test match against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens here, Dravid said he had not made much changes in his game.

“Basically I don’t think I have changed anything. The hundred in Jamaica (against the West Indies earlier this year) gave me a lot with confidence.

“I have worked with Duncan a little bit. He has given me a couple of suggestions which have worked so far. He has been a great help. I think it is good to have someone like Duncan in the dressing room because he reads the game quite well,” he said.

Asked about his feelings after the impressive performances this season, Dravid said having gone through tough times, he wants to make the most of the times when things go his way.

“It is a funny game and you never know when the tough time is around the corner… But as long as you have the good time going, you have to keep it going.”

Dravid said he felt relaxed mentally.

The batsman renowned for his cool temperament said his three other centuries at the venue were tougher as they were match determining ones.

Dravid scored 180 against Australia in 2001, when he struck up a 376-run stand with V.V.S Laxman (281) as India caused a mighty turnaround after being made to follow on and won the epic match. Laxman had scored 281.

Against Pakistan in 2005, Dravid scored twin centuries - 110 and 135 - enabling India to win the match.

“None (of the centuries) are easy… But In the context of the game, probably the other three that I have got are relatively tough… the 180 which I got is the most celebrated one. It came against a tough attack in tough conditions.”.

“The hundred in each inning against Pakistan are very dear to me because in the context of the game the hundreds were literally match deciders,” he said.

“So we will see how this one goes… But, relatively, I think this one was much easier,” he added.

Dravid said he was disappointed for having got out in the penultimate over as he would have loved to play the new ball Tuesday. “It would have been nice to play at least the first 10 overs with the new ball. Besides, it is always a good feeling to begin the day with a century under the belt.”

Asked about the two sixes which he hit during the day, Dravid said to roars of laughter: “The credit goes to the IPL.”

Dravid said he has never focussed on statistics and approaches the game with a positive mindset.