When Rahul Dravid Declared The Innings With Sachin Tendulkar On 194*

image-lsrcmfaqRahul Dravid declaring Sachin Tendulkar innings at 194* (x.com)

Batting milestones in cricket symbolizes individual achievements. While it holds great significance for one’s career, sometimes individual statistics can tend to conflict with team interests, potentially jeopardizing overall objective and cohesion.

One of incident occurred back in March 2004 at the Multan Cricket Stadium, when milestone man Sachin Tendulkar was denied a well-deserved double century by then captain Rahul Dravid through a “controversial declaration” call.


When Rahul Dravid declared at Sachin Tendulkar 194*

Team India toured Pakistan in early 2004 for a historic ODI and Test series against the hosts. In the first Test of the tour at the Multan Cricket Stadium, regular Indian captain Sourav Ganguly was ruled out of the playing XI owing to a back injury.

Interim skipper Rahul Dravid commanded the Indian troops instead, and led them to a remarkable victory by an innings and 52 runs. Notably, the match itself was stoked by a number of memorable, as well as ‘controversial’ moments.

While Virender Sehwag bludgeoned 309 in the match to become India’s first Test triple-centurion, the occasion was all set to coincide with a double century from Sachin Tendulkar’s blade. However, just as Tendulkar was nearing his landmark figure, he was left stranded at 194*, with captain Dravid declaring the Indian innings at 675-5 during the closing stages of Day 2.


Watch: Highlights from Sachin Tendulkar 194* and Rahul Dravid’s declaration

As it turned out, Rahul Dravid abruptly declared the Indian innings because he wanted to have a crack at Pakistan batters for at least an hour before stumps.

Fortunately for Indian cricket, both Dravid and Tendulkar sorted out everything among themselves, as revealed by then coach John Wright in his book.

Tendulkar seemed unbothered by statistics while Dravid’s bold declaration expressed his dedication towards team’s interest before anyone’s individual milestones.