Welcome back Dravid - Inbox at Cricinfo

Earlier he had been scratching around and looked devoid of any scrap of self-belief. His foot movement was uncertain, he did not get a proper stride forward and was unsure about whether to leave the ball or not. Also he had forgotten to rotate the strike and the shots were too weak to reach the boundary even if he did manage to pierce the field. In short, all of Dravid's strengths had become his weaknesses.

But in this innings, after lunch, I see Dravid batting like the Dravid of old. He is leaving the ball with authority and defending with a firm stride and a firm stroke. His footwork is certain and decisive. But the biggest change has come in his body language. Earlier, he was making batting look impossible, head bowed, and an uncertain manner. Now he is moving confidently and batting decisively, looking like a wall. A smile is still not forthcoming but you can see that Rahul Dravid is again confident in his abilities.

It is essential for India that Dravid continues to bat in this manner. We need him for at least two more years. I have no doubt that the only reason for India currently not being number 1 in the ICC rankings is Dravid's loss of form. Our other players are playing the cricket of their lives, the missing link is our immovable no.3. There is also no ready replacement. India do not currently have a batsman with enough quality to take over the mantle. When Saurav Ganguly retired, Yuvraj was waiting in the wings. For all his inconsistency, everybody knows the talent and timing Yuvraj possesses. Such qualities are not yet present in any of the young pretenders, be they Rohit Sharma, Badrinath or Raina.

So I would request the selectors to continue having patience with Dravid. Even if he fails in the next innings, he has now shown that he still possesses the ability to succeed at Test level. The worry would be an erosion of his physical abilities. On the evidence of this innings so far, they appear to be as good as ever. My hope is that with the regaining of his confidence, Rahul Dravid becomes 'The Wall' again.

My sentiments exactly- after Chennai I had reluctantly accepted that may be his time was finally up. I've been a supporter of Dravid for a while now, and it's been sad to see his recent struggles and all the criticism. That's why this innings could not have come at a better time- both for the man himself and all his fans. Perhaps its too soon to say if he's 'back' , but I'm happy that he finally appears at peace with himself. We may even see a smile yet!

Hello Mr.azeezthanks for supporting my man Mr.Wall, i got passion for cricket because of Mr. wall i like the way he plays the ball towards cover, i have tried so many time to copy him but iam unable to do it, its a unique technique and style which Mr. wall has. But i really thank him for everthing
which he teached me with his style and techniques.
Wherever i go and whoeve i spoke to i dont use his name i use to say Mr.wall, coz he is the wall which if he gets dried no fast hammer can broke it. (dried)--> form (hammer)--> ball.

thank you so much cricinfo for giving me this chance to share some words about my Mr.wall.
thanks
regards
shakeel

This has to be one of the sporting moments of 2008. great to see the smile back on the face of one of cricket's genuinely nice guys. Jammy you have done and always will do India proud. I have been privileged to have watched your classical style for so long, and for that, I am forever indebted to you. As is an entire nation. Let India never forget the contribution of one Rahul Sharad Dravid, a humble Bangalorean who has won India countless overseas matches and most importantly, has been a gentleman in doing so. Love you Jammy!