Brutal, smashing, explosive - these are not terms we generally use to describe Rahul Dravid's batting.?
AFP
But on November 15, 2003, the Wall displayed a side to him that few have witnessed. Perhaps that is because such a display is rarely scene.
After Sachin Tendulkar (102) and Virender Sehwag (130) had put on an opening stand of 182, Dravid provided the perfect finish to help them end at 353/5 against New Zealand.
AFP
Coming in at the fall of Sehwag's wicket at 283/3, Dravid launched into the bowling attack from the word go.
Five fours and 3 sixes saw the Kiwi fielders scatter to all parts of the ground. Pretty soon, they did not know what field to set. For once the ball was not caressed but brutalised by Dravid's bat.
He eventually ended on 50 not out - of just 22 balls! That's right, it was a brief blast, but the man was in a different zone altogether.
For those doubting his ability to blast an attack into submission, just ask the poor New Zealanders on that fateful day in Hyderabad.