I have few role models in life and Dravid is one of them. If you look back in his career, you will probably realize the fact that wherever he is today, it’s because of his hard work and determination. That’s something which I have learnt from him. But unfortunately I could never appreciate his leadership style. I will also go one step ahead and argue that Ganguly was a better leader than him. If I analyze the last test match between India and England in the recently concluded series, that will give some clues to some of the missing pieces (according to me) to his leadership style.
India got 300 odd run lead when England were all-out in the first innings. Instead of forcing follow-on, Dravid decided that India should bat. Reason – It’s difficult to chase in 4th innings and Dravid didn’t want to take any chances. Also we were already ahead in the series with 1-0 lead and for him 1-0 is no different from 2-0 series win. So he decided a less-risky path. If he would have enforced the follow on, at worst case India would have to chase some 100 odd run to win the series. Unfortunately he showed his lack of confidence on the team. First thing – a leader mustn’t hold such low confidence on the team, that actually brings down the morale of the team altogether. Second, he shouldn’t have sighted physical tiredness as reason for opting out from the follow-on decision. That’s like showing an unhealthy approach to game of cricket. Bowlers were on their top of mental energy after bowling opposition out for such a small total (in compared to India). So I am sure they were not mentally tired. That flow would have helped them to take wickets in quick succession and continue the pressure on England. But Dravid had some different intention. He probably couldn’t visualize the mental enthusiasm in the team, instead he chose a risk-averse route.
Probably the worst part is - A leader mustn’t get into the complacency of “Whatever I have is good, I don’t need more”. That sets up a bad example for the team.
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