Team India head coach Rahul Dravid joked that he doesn’t know how to feel anymore on his birthday, stating that he is just ‘a year older’.
Commentator, Pommie Mbangwa, had a brief conversation with Dravid where he said that he was grateful for all the birthday wishes.
“As you get older you don’t know what to feel when it’s your birthday. You are a year older. But it’s nice, some nice wishes from friends, family, and fans. So very grateful for all of that,” Dravid said.
The 49-year-old turned to the series decider at hand, saying that the team needs no motivation as it understands how important winning the series in South Africa is.
“At this level, you don’t motivate people to play the game. If I am having to do that before a big Test match with the opportunity to create history, then we have got the wrong people,” Dravid added.
“The spirit has been good in the team” – Rahul Dravid
After a morale-boosting win in the first Test in Centurion, India was humbled by Dean Elgar and co. in Johannesburg. The hosts chased down 240 without a fuss to level the series 1-1. Despite the loss, Virat Kohli and co. are looking forward to winning the final game, Dravid said.
“The spirit has been good in the team, we could’ve contributed more with the bat in the first innings (2nd Test), in the second, shot-selection could’ve been better.”
“But the team’s good, the guys have been looking forward to the series and playing some good cricket. We know we are in the middle of a tough series and it’s exciting to be in these kinds of games, series. Whichever way it goes, it’s a great game to be part of,” Dravid mentioned.
Team India won the toss and opted to bat first. At Lunch, they were 75/2 having lost both their openers.