Dravid confident of Indian fightback

Rahul Dravid can take unflappability to dangerous levels. With a game down and two to play, he preferred to talk about the simplicity of the task: "In a way it's made things simple for us; we need to win the next two to win the series."

At the same time, he spelt out the areas of concern, minor points that often make a major difference. He admitted that three run-outs in the previous game were the moments that had tilted the scales, adding that it was one of several areas that needed rectifying. "We need to work on our fielding, running between wickets, and taking chances with run-outs. It's the little things that make a difference. Our judgment of the runs can be better ... Also our lower order needs to contribute, considering our strategy of playing five bowlers. We are working on giving them more batting practice, asking them to rotate strike and not go for the big shots."

Dravid knows that India, unlike West Indies, can't afford any sort of slip. "We need to play to potential. West Indies can afford another mistake, because they are 2-1 up. But we've come back from these positions before. It's a good challenge, a good test for us. If we play to our potential, I think we can get the right result."

One factor that could make the big difference, Dravid reckoned, is Virender Sehwag, who clattered an awesome 97 in the previous game. "It's nice to have Veeru back in form," he continued. "He's always been hitting the ball well in the nets. Got run-out in the first game, hasn't been able to convert the starts he's got. I just hope he's consistent. He showed that, on a wicket that was slow, he got 96 off 83 balls and played better than any of us. With him firing, it makes a big difference. It's important for him to back it up with consistent scores and end the series in style."

He was fully behind Ramesh Powar, when there were suggestions of Anil Kumble to be included in the one-day squad. "Powar has done a really good job for us. He's someone who bats lower down. We know Kumble is someone who we can fall back on. One poor spell from Ramesh is not an indication. I'd rather focus on the team we have here."

The last time Dravid played in Trinidad, India won their first-ever one-day series in West Indies. Before that, he had been part of a Test-match winning side. "Obviously it's nice to come back to Trinidad where we have pleasant memories in one-day and Test series," he continued, "but I don't think it's going to have any relevance to this series. For people who've been here in the past, it's some good memories."