VB Chandra brought ‘The Wall’ to Chennai

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Many theories float on what forced a young Rahul Dravid to shift to Chennai (then Madras) and play in the senior division league here. Facilities in Bangalore were good enough if not better.

The truth is Dravid was so impressed by the leadership skills of former Indian ODI opener VB Chandrasekar that he wanted to play under him and in turn learn more.

“I remember Rahul telling me that he wanted to be part of the India Cements dressing room so he can get to understand more on general strategies and the nuances of captaincy from VB.

As he was our number three he also got to bat a lot along with VB who used to open the innings,” said Dravid’s long-time friend and Vijay CC team mate DJ Gokulakrishnan.

In playing style Dravid was everything VB wasn’t. If the TN skipper was a swashbuckler, Dravid played everything according to book. It was famously said that the easiest way to disperse the crowd in Gurunanak College was to bring Dravid to the crease.

From a batsman who’s only run scoring stroke was a firm on-drive, Dravid made giant strides quickly to be heralded as an all-round batsman. In many ways the vastly different methods of VB and Dravid proved to be the thorn in the flesh for many attacks.

“What set him apart was the ability to constantly work on his game and improve. Even as a youngster Dravid was meticulous in preparation.

Sometimes he was too much to himself and the hunger to excel was always there. I remember Dravid seeking advice after the one-day tournament in Singapore where he failed on debut against Sri Lanka. He was someone who took good suggestions and worked hard to make it work for him in the middle,” said Dravid’s mentor VB.

Dravid’s attention to detail is only well known and members of Vijay CC only know it well. “I have seen so many players going out to bat wearing their India colours while representing their club or state side but not Rahul.

I remember him demanding the team colours and cap whenever he came to play in the league. This used to happen even after he had led the country. Just goes to show the kind of pride he had irrespective of the level he was competing in,” said Gokulakrishnan.

Incidentally VB’s tenure as national selector coincided with Dravid’s time as Indian captain. According to VB if there was one area where Dravid could have done better it was captaincy. “Dravid’s make up as a person and player made him a good candidate for captaincy but there were times where he could have done better,” explained VB.

Over the years VB was one person who saw Dravid rise through the ranks from close quarters and must be a happy man for the way the legend’s career shaped up. “No one could have asked for more. I remember Dravid coming and staying in my house when his apartment got too crowded.

He spent evenings usually playing with my kids and talking with my mother. He was a affable and approachable and without a doubt I can say he has remained the same way and success never changed him as a person,” concluded VB.