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Haven't planned about my second innings: Dravid

October 08, 2013 08:08 IST
Rahul Dravid

He has been the finest ambassador for India in the traditional form of the game and Rahul Dravid, after calling time on his cricket career, remained true to his first love -- Test cricket.

"It was (emotional) in some ways. It's when you give up Test cricket, that's when you feel emotional," Dravid said when asked whether he felt emotional turning up for  Rajasthan Royals against Mumbai Indians in the last match of his professional career.

"It was a privilege to lead such a bunch. The franchise has gone through a lots of ups and downs. It has been the same group and there was great working environment," Dravid, who captained Rajasthan Royals to the final of Champions League T20, said.

'People who want to corrupt the game are not going to go away'

October 08, 2013 08:08 IST
Rahul Dravid (left) with Rajasthan Royals head coach Paddy Upton

Dravid also pointed out that the spot-fixing scandal involving his Rajasthan Royals team mate S Sreesanth was "very disappointing".

"It wasn't an ideal thing to have happened. I don't want to comment specifically but those were extremely challenging times," Dravid told NDTV in an interview.

Dravid feels that the spot-fixing incident is a lesson for the cricket establishment that one needs to be "vigilant".

"Look, people who want to corrupt the game are not going to go away. It's a lot about the choices that an individual makes. We have to be vigilant."

'It has been a memorable journey with the Royals'

October 08, 2013 08:08 IST
Sachin Tendulkar pats Rahul Dravid on the back after his dismissal in the Champions League T20 final

Dravid gave a logical answer as to why he came in to bat at number eight during the CLT20 final against Mumbai Indians, on Sunday.

"Chasing a target with an asking rate of 11 per over is certainly not my strength at 40 plus," he laughed.

"It has been a memorable journey with the Royals. It started three years back and last two years, I have been a captain. The whole campaign has been excellent. Yesterday was a good night and I got a lovely reception from the Delhi crowd."

'It's a heartwarming story of Praveen's skill, fortitude and attitude'

October 08, 2013 08:08 IST
Pravi

He was all praise for 42-year-old spinner Pravin Tambe who grabbed 12 scalps in the tournament to emerge as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament.

"While we play international cricket, we must never forget that we have the Pravins of the world playing for along with us in the club matches. It's a heartwarming story of Pravin's skill, fortitude and attitude."

The best part about retirement according to Dravid "is not having to practice anymore".

"I will get to spend more time with my family. I haven't planned about my second innings. Right now however, I need a holiday."