Rahul Dravid has made a stunning revelation about Virat Kohli while discussing the science of batting style. He went on to refer to Virat Kohli as ‘short-ish’ and then explained why batters of shorter height look more graceful at the crease.
The former Indian head coach believes that the players with shorter height, like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting and Don Bradman, always carried an added advantage.
He also mentioned that their compact frames helped them maintain balance, and generate effortless timing, which made their shots appear more pleasing to the eye.
Rahul Dravid revealed that he grew up idolizing Sunil Gavaskar, a master of balance and composure at the crease.
Dravid may not have been a basher of the ball, but when it comes to listing some of India’s most technically sound batters, ‘The Wall’ is right up there.
Even the pacers would admit that bowling to him was tougher than even Sachin Tendulkar.
He recalled Gavaskar’s stillness and poise fascinated him, trying to cophy his still head and calm movements.
The former Indian head coach touched down upon why short batters look a lot more natural and elegant, but in the process said something about Virat Kohli which he instantly realised.
“Gavaskar was a beautifully balanced player. I always remember, he always seemed to. There was a stillness when he stood, which is what I admired. I was always slightly taller, so I didn;t copy anything. I just stood in a way that made me feel uncomfortable,” said Dravid.
“Tendulkar again was very balanced. Shorter people have the advantage of looking more balanced because the centre of gravity is lower. That’s what they say. A lot of great batters over the years have been shorter people,” said Rahul Dravid.
“Look at Gavaskar, or Tendulkar or a [Brian] Lara or a [Ricky] Ponting… going back to [Donald] Bradman. Kohli is short-ish. Virat Kohli might not like me calling him shortish, though,” added Dravid.
“But today, as the game is changing and becoming a lot about power and hitting sixes. The reach of the taller guys is becoming an advantage. Physics will tell you. Kevin Pietersen, Kieron Pollard. Look at the guys who are batting these days, in T20s especially,” Rahul Dravid concluded.
