Best supporting actor to play the lead

That became evident at his first press conference today, which he addressed minutes after Ganguly announced he wouldn’t be playing. His trademark tact and diplomacy, mirroring his batting — doesn’t play the ball in the air or stick his bat out — was soon on display.

After disposing of the usual gentle looseners from the press — ‘‘the feeling hasn’t sunk in, this is the realisation of a long-cherished dream’’ — he faced his first googly.

What did he feel about the Motera pitch? Ganguly remember, had sharply criticised the ‘‘dead’’ track and said it was the sole reason for his team missing out on a win in the first Test.

Dravid did use the word ‘‘dead’’ but quickly added: ‘‘Pitches are like bats, only one out of 10 they make come out perfectly.’’ The perfect reply, without contradicting his captain or criticising the officials. As the only possible alternative to Saurav Ganguly, who’s been captain for three years now, the selectors will be watching him keenly. However, there is one area of concern. Will the burden of captaincy affect his currently sublime form? Opinion is divided on that. Dravid preferred not to comment either way: ‘‘I’ve never experienced the leadership role so it will be difficult for me to have an opinion about that.’’