Rahul Dravid is one of the young star batsman in the Indian squad on the 1996-97 tour in South Africa. Dravid was interviewed from Kingsmead, Durban on the irc channel #cricket on 30 December 1996, shortly after his innings of 64 (top score for India) against a Natal Invitation XI. The interview was conducted by Ros Brodie.
Ros: OK, I have Rahul Dravid with me now. He will take a few questions...
shash: dravid: do you expect to bat at one-down in the next Test match? btw, good knock today
Dravid: shash: the team has not yet be decided, but there may be a few changes in the batting order... maybe I might bat up the order
SandMan26: What's it like to face Donald? what is your mental approach?
Dravid: SandMan: Donald is a great fast bowler and it's a challenge facing him, especially early on in my career. It's been a good learning experience for me. I'm normally positive.
vishal: Which is your preferred batting spot Rahul?
Dravid: vishal: I have no preferred spot...anywhere where the team management needs me to bat
SandMan26: Have you faced Warne - totally different approach I assume?
Dravid: SandMan: no, I haven't actually played Warne...I think it will be a totally different approach
SandMan26 you're one of the best young up-and-coming batsmen in the world imo - all the best for the tour and the future!
rabi: do you see yourself as a opener ?
Dravid: rabi: no, not at the present moment
rabi: Has there been any talk to try Laxman as opener given the fact that he used to open for Hyd in ranji???
Dravid: rabi: I don't think Laxman opens for Hyderabad... He's an exciting middle-order batsman.. and I think he should stay that way
SandMan26: Is Tendulkar going to remain captain for much longer?
Dravid: SandMan: I think Sachin is one of the best cricketers and captain in the world at the moment.... and I hope he remains India's captain for a long time.
rohg: Dravid..It took a little time after the first few one day series for you to really come through..after England you didn't look back - how do you explain this?
Dravid: rohg: I think it's just a question of confidence... once you have a few big scores behind you, things just fall into place
kvs: Given the low bounce on Indian wickets how do you prepare to play the short rising ball?
Dravid: kvs: we've used the nets a bit here in SA.... but I normally get people to bowl short at me back home in Bangalore.
vishal: Do you use a bowling machine Dravid?
Dravid: vishal: no, we don't have this facility in India
PhaeHK: Rahul, thanks for your time: How do you feel about the constant rotation in the batting order you have seen, and if free to choose, which spot would you prefer and why ?
Dravid: Phae: I don't think the constant rotation affects me much... I believe if you're a professional cricketer, you've got to learn to adjust in any conditions and any position.
Arey: Dravid, which bowler you find most difficult to face? and who is your favorite batsman?
Dravid: I think I find Srinath and Donald the most difficult. Sachin Tendulkar is my favourite batsman