
From the time Rahul Dravid was named in the Karnataka squad for the season-opening Ranji Trophy game against Mumbai, there has been an air of nervous anticipation at Wankhede Stadium. Mumbai coach Praveen Amre knows that Dravid will be keen to make an impact in his first game, starting November 3, after being sidelined from the national squad, but he says that he is working on a plan to stump the premier batsman in the rival camp.
8220;We have been trying to get the recent footage of Dravid8217;s innings to study how he has been losing his wicket. We will sit with our bowlers and work out a plan,8221; says Amre. The former Test player adds that the job wouldn8217;t be easy. 8220;Probably the only advantage we have is Dravid is not in form right now,8221; he says.
But looking at the bigger picture, Amre is of the view that the likes of Dravid and Anil Kumble 8212; who will be leading Karnataka8212;playing domestic cricket is great for the game in general.
8220;By merely watching players like Dravid and Kumble there is a lot to learn for youngsters. Just imagine the likes of Ajinkya Rahane playing Kumble or Iqbal Abdulla getting an opportunity to bowl to Dravid. This match will be a learning experience for the youngsters,8221; says Amre.
The Mumbai coach is of the view that his players have an edge over their rivals since they have got vital match practice before their first Ranji game. 8220;We played the Mohd Nissar Trophy first and later Irani Trophy so the players in good shape,8221; he said.
Interestingly, like Dravid there are two seniors in the Mumbai squad who are planning a comeback. Ajit Agarkar and Ramesh Powar, both dropped from the national side, will be keen to come good. Ironically, these bowlers will have vital roles to play when Amre works out a plan to stop Dravid after sitting with the team8217;s video analyst.