New Delhi, June 28 (IANS) Former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid, who will return to Test cricket after an injury break, says he is well prepared for a gruelling international schedule.
Dravid will comeback with the Sri Lanka series after being knocked down by a Shahadat Hossain bouncer in Bangladesh in January. The veteran batsman scored an unbeaten century against Bangladesh in the second Test before injury ruled him out of the South Africa series.
‘I am looking forward to the Test series that will be a big challenge,’ Dravid told reporters here Monday.
‘In the next six months, India will play 11 Test matches. I am excited at the prospect of being a part of the team again. I want to play a few league matches before I leave for Sri Lanka for the Test series. Hopefully, I stay fit,’ Dravid said.
The Test cricket veteran, who has made India proud for the last 14 years with calm demeanour and down-to-earth sportsmanship, was feted as the ‘Limca Man of the Year’ 2010 by cola giant Coca Cola along with six other achievers as part of the Limca Book of Records 2010 honour roll.
‘It is one of a kind book that celebrates the achievements of Indians from across the globe. I am honoured to have been included in the list. It inspires you to perform better,’ said Dravid.
On the Sri Lanka series, Dravid said the break from cricket was good for him and that he has been training hard for the last six weeks.
‘International bowlers are always improving. One has always got to stay ahead in the game,’ said the lean 37-year-old, clad in red-and-black formal wear.
Dravid said switching to the Test cricket from Twenty20 required adjustment.
Dravid exuded confidence that Yuvraj Singh, who has been recalled for the Tests after being dropped for the One-day series, will perform well.
‘Yuvi was injured. But I am sure he will do well in the Test series,’ Dravid said.
Dravid joined the Indian team in 1996 and quickly became an unseparable part of the team. He has been a prolific scorer, setting up several away victories for India. He was made the captain of Indian team in 2005, but stepped down in 2007.
An Arjuna award winner, Dravid is the only batsman to score a century against all the 10 regular playing nations and holds the record for the highest number of Test match catches (193).
He was one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 2000.
