Is there something about Rahul Dravid's resignation as captain of the Indian cricket team that does not meet the eye?
Dravid has not said a word in public since his sudden resignation was announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India two days ago. He has kept away from the media and all efforts to reach him have proved futile.
Even the announcement of the resignation did not come from Dravid himself and everything that has been said about the episode has come from the BCCI, prompting speculation whether his decision was entirely due to his reported desire to concentrate on batting.
- Why Rahul Dravid stepped down
Former Australian captain Steve Waugh is of the view that "something does seem amiss". He said he was shocked by the timing of Dravid's decision as well as the decision itself.
"India has a tough season coming up, with a home series against Pakistan and the tour to Australia. I cannot imagine what precipitated this announcement but something does seem amiss," he wrote in a newspaper column.
In Steve Waugh's view, "it does not seem like something Dravid would do".
The former Australian great notes that Dravid was subject to "massive public scrutiny for his decision not to enforce the follow-on against England in the recent Test match at the Oval".
"However, you expect such reactions when you are captain. I remember receiving a lot of flak for following-on in Kolkata in 2001," Waugh wrote.
Waugh said "such extreme opinion is part of being a captain and I cannot think that somebody like Dravid would be affected by it".
Dravid's silence has generated a wide variety of rumours such as that he did not get full cooperation from some of the senior players. That coupled with media criticism may be the reason he has thrown in the towel, it is speculated.
Javagal Srinath, Dravid's former teammate and one of the best pace bowlers who have played for India, is surprised at the timing of the decision with some important series ahead for the team.
That is why there is a lot of speculation for the team.
"Whatever may be the reason, the next question is whether Rahul's departure as a captain has done any good to the health of Indian cricket. He is someone who plays his cards very close to his chest. Although it is his prerogative to relinquish the job, I though he could have done it in a greater style.
"There was a lifetime opportunity for him to set a great precedent in Indian cricket by being at the head of a methodical transition of leadership."
"Rahul's unscheduled departure will provoke the desire for leadership among all and sundry. This trend will cause confusion and chaos in the foreseeable future," Srinath said.
Chandu Borde, who was the cricket manager of the Indian team on the just concluded tour of England, also said that the resignation came as a surprise to him and that he had no inkling of it during the tour.
However, Borde, a veteran Test player, said whatever the reason we should respect it.
"It is his personal decision and he must have though about it. We should respect it," he said.
Spin great EAS Prasanna does not see any reason in Dravid's resignation other than his desire to spend more time with his family and concentrate on his batting.
"He had a good tenure as a captain, winning many matches overseas. We should respect his decision to step down as captain. He has not retired from cricket so he is available to share his experience with youngsters in the team.
"I don't thing Dravid resigned because of media criticism or something like that. He is a strong person and we should respect his decision."