Can isolated Dravid be an effective captain?

By Anil
April 6 2007

Dravid, undeniably a failure as leader on the field at both Tests and ODIs based on India's recent results, has also proven to be a failure as leader off the field.

Known to be a strong ally of the much-despised Greg Chappel, he remained completely silent as the obnoxious ex-coach publicly maligned cricketers who have been Rahul Dravid's colleagues for a decade. It was left to Sachin Tendulkar to defend the team from the Australian's attacks in the form of sneaky leaks to his media friends.

Now he has managed to be retained as captain despite dismal performances by the team, but at what cost? He is seen as an obedient employee of the BCCI (just as he was of Chappel.) He is not seen as trustworthy from the team's point of view.

Even before the selectors meeting, which is the forum where the decision of retaining Dravid should have been taken, he has reportedly been confirmed as the captain. This means he has been a political rather than technical choice. BCCI supremo Pawar has effectively ordered the selectors to keep him as captain despite India's sorry performances in the World Cup, Champions Trophy, South Africa, and even at home against a second-string England.

How can this man be an effective leader? Nobody will trust him, much less work with him in a cooperative manner. It would not be surprising if Dravid was shunned by the team in the dressing room.

Dravid is not a leader in the best of times, but this is the worst of times. It would have been best for him and for India if he had refused to accept the position of captain, as was thought to be his stance after Chappel stepped down.

For the good of Indian cricket, it is important to start with a clean slate, and purge the team of the politics forced on the team by a controversial coach. Ideally, the simple job of defeating Bangladesh in tests should have been given to someone like Yuvraj, Sehwag or Harbhajan. It would have allowed Indian cricket a fresh and positive start.