5 Indian players who have blossomed under the Dravid-Kumble partnership

It would be considered odd to say that batsmen and spinners used to hunt in pairs for most of the early 2000s. But a closer look into the statistics would tell you that 55 of Dravid’s record 210 catches in Test cricket came off Anil Kumble’s leg spin. Only Mahela Jayawardene with 77 catches off Muttiah Muralitharan has a higher tally.

The Karnataka duo have continued their partnership post-retirement; Rahul Dravid managing the junior team, and Kumble taking over as India’s head coach. During this time period, the Indian U-19 team went on to the reach the finals of the World Cup, and the senior team have produced some consistent performances.

Many players have reaped the benefits of this partnership. Let’s look at a few who have blossomed under the duo.

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#5 Hardik Pandya

India’s quest for a seam-bowling all-rounder has been ongoing for a long time. Seam-bowling all-rounders provide the much-needed balance and depth to any side and can act as supports for the primary bowlers. They can also do their bit with the willow.

India’s hopes now rest on the young shoulders of Hardik Pandya. He burst onto the scene after a successful IPL for the Mumbai Indians a couple of seasons ago, under the watchful eyes of Kumble. Since then, Hardik has been fast-tracked into the national team by Kumble and the selectors as he brings a much-needed X-factor to the team.

His successful stints in the T-20 and ODI setup augur well for his future. Pandya stated that in India A’s tour of Australia, he became ‘mentally stronger’ and he largely credited Rahul Dravid for that. This was the tour that transformed him as a cricketer and he went on to make solid contributions with both bat and bowl for the senior team.

It’s an eventuality that he will get his opportunity with the red cherry and is definitely somebody to watch out for in the days to come.

#4 Manish Pandey

Pandey made it to the Indian setup earlier this year

The first Indian to score a century in the IPL, Pandey has gone on to become a common name in the domestic circuit. His consistent performances in first class cricket over the years have seen him make a mark in the senior side.

His rise to stardom had a lot to do with his stint in RCB during the second season of the IPL. Both Kumble and Dravid were senior members of this side, and had a huge role in inspiring Pandey to showcase his potential. Coming from the same state of Karnataka, he always looked up to these stalwarts of the game, and observing their cricketing practices greatly moulded Pandey’s own approach to the game.

He captained the India A team with Dravid as a coach and his excellent performance saw him make his way into the national team setup. Anil Kumble has always backed Pandey and has been considered to be the driving force behind him moving to no.4.

The 27-year-old has also been called into the Test team recently, and his sound technical game is worth investing in.

#3 Karun Nair

Nair blossomed under Dravid’s tutelage

Karun Nair is yet another Karnataka lad who has been inspired by his fellow statesmen to better his game. His solid first class record for Karnataka has seen him get a shot with the national team, and like Pandey, the duo’s role in his uprising can’t be understated.

Nair’s game improved tremendously during his stint with the Delhi Daredevils outfit, under Dravid’s mentorship. He has also spent considerable amounts of time under Rahul Dravid’s tutelage in Rajasthan Royals as well as the India A set-up.

Nair went on to make his ODI debut against Zimbabwe and his Test debut against England more recently.

All this was accomplished with the backing of Indian head coach, Anil Kumble; his faith in the youngster was handsomely repaid when Nair became only the second Indian after Virender Sehwag to score a triple ton in Test cricket.

Kumble will look to give him a long run in the team, so he can carve a spot out for himself as he is one of India’s brightest young talents.

#2 Kedar Jadhav

Jadhav got his opportunity very late at the age of 29

Jadhav made his Indian debut at the age of 29. After amassing 1223 runs in the Ranji season coupled with an impressive showing in the IPL, the selectors could ignore him no longer.

Jadhav played some gritty knocks under the tutelage of Dravid for India A and largely credited him for the improvements in his defensive game. The 31-year-old went on to make a name for himself as a more than effective part-time bowler in the New Zealand series, and one can’t help but wonder the role Anil ‘Jumbo’ Kumble had on his improved confidence as a bowler.

With his free-flowing batting, wicket-keeping capabilities, and now effective off-break bowling, he will definitely be in the selectors’ thoughts as India gears up for a busy cricketing season.

#1 Jayant Yadav

Yadav is handy with both bat and ball

Yadav made the headlines recently when he became the first Indian to score a century batting at number 9. He has shown great temperament with the bat with solid knocks against the Englishmen in the ongoing series. His control and variation of pace makes him a great asset as a spinner in sub-continental conditions and he looks set to accomplish a lot more in the future.

Kumble has backed the talented 26-year-old allrounder over other experienced spinners, and this backing from a world-class leg-spinner will surely boost the offie’s confidence. He was also backed to bowl important overs in the IPL by Rahul Dravid, and he has blossomed under his guidance. Yadav has often claimed that meeting with Dravid during his India A stint inspired him greatly.

Jayant Yadav is ear-marked for great success and if his debut series is any indication, he will only go on to scale greater heights.