Rahul Dravid talks on India's chances at the ICC Champions Trophy.
Nonchalance. It's a handy quality. It lets even the toughest opponent know that you're just too cool to care, too busy to be bothered and too confident to even be the least bit afraid. It's that last definition that best suits Rahul Dravid, who looked entirely relaxed and carefree the day after India arrived in South Africa for the Champions Trophy.
He wore shorts and a sweater and seemed more interested in finishing his text message than talking to anyone. But although his character could be described as aloof, Dravid was supremely composed and unruffled ahead of the tournament.
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The only thing that brought some emotional reaction out of him was talking about being back in the Indian one day side. "It's very nice to be back in the mix," he said, offering a rare smile. Then, it's back to being indifferent, particularly when asked about India's chances in a competition as they enter as one of the hot favourites.
"There are eight very good teams at this tournament so it's difficult to single out anyone."
While many players are singling out the hosts, South Africa, or Sri Lanka as the team to beat, Dravid said he thinks Australia are the most dangerous opponents, particularly after their 6-1 hammering of England in the recent one day series. "Australia have been the dominant side in the world for a good few years, I really think they are the big favourites."
Dravid doesn't want to put too much emphasis on the other teams and instead focusing on the two men he thinks will be India's kingpins for the tournament. "The real key bowler for us will be Harbhajan Singh. He has done really well recently and he's always a threat to batsmen."
Even though Dravid thinks the spinner will be their main weapon, he has not discounted the likes of Ishant Sharma and Ashish Nehra. "Our fast bowlers are definitely going to be a factor in how well we do as well," he said.
On the batting front, Dravid was mum on his own hopes but there was a little twinkle in his eye when he was asked if he will become India's Jacques Kallis and start scoring quick fifties as well. He thinks most of the aggressive batting will come from the little master, especially after his smashing 138 against Sri Lanka.
"Sachin played a great knock in the tri-series final against Sri Lanka and if he is in good form that can only be a good thing."
That final not only sees India come into the tournament fresh from winning a trophy, but also having learned how to come back from defeat, since they were beaten by Sri Lanka in the match leading up to the final.
That series (which also involved New Zealand) was the perfect warm up for India, who now have the advantage of having had a break and a fair amount of competitive cricket under their belt.
"By the time our first game rolls around, we would have had a week in South Africa to prepare so I think we have the ideal schedule," said Dravid.
That idyllic build up may come to crashing halt when India play their first match. It will be an acidic welcome into the tournament, since India face sub continental rivals Pakistan in the first match of the event.
The clash is big built up as a war like encounter but Dravid says he isn't seeing it as make or break. He appears to be feeling almost no pressure and sees it as just another contest. One thing he noted was that the age old sub continental rivals may have the element of surprise in their favour.
"A lot of the Pakistani side is unknown and young so in a way we aren't sure what to expect."
Despite that, Dhoni thinks India have the stability and balance to put up a good challenge for the trophy. He doesn't want to point out targets, saying that he is leaving that to captain MS Dhoni. Dravid's complete trust in his captain is evident. "MS is a very good leader and everyone is enjoying playing under him. He's done a great job."
Then that smile comes out again: the one that shows supreme comfort in Dhoni's guidance and his ability to bring the best out of the players. And maybe Dhoni will even get Dravid to smile, more beamingly than thin lipped grimaces he is so used to offering.
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