'I look at wicketkeeping as a challenge': Dravid

Rahul Dravid has indicated that while he will continue doubling up as wicketkeeper in the Indian one-day line-up, it was also time to look at a specialist option. Speaking to the media on the last day of the fitness camp in Bangalore, Dravid said: "I look upon it [wicketkeeping] as a challenge. It's not something that comes naturally to me and it's not something that I've done for 15 years. I try and do my best."

When asked if it was time to look for a specialist keeper in the one-day team, Dravid only said: "What I personally believe is not relevant at this point of time. It's important to understand that you play as a team member." Dravid has, in the past, expressed his reluctance to keep wicket, but has accepted that role as it allows India to play seven specialist batsmen in their line-up.

Dravid was also all praise for the way Parthiv Patel had shaped up as a batsman recently, adding that he could be a long-term wicketkeeper-batsman in both forms of the game. "Patel's performance is a great sign for India. I hope that he will be given the opportunities to become a full-fledged wicketkeeper-batsman that India probably needs in the future." Parthiv was in splendid form with the bat on the tours to Australia and Pakistan, scoring three half-centuries in nine innings, including 69 - his highest Test score - when opening the batting in the last Test against Pakistan at Rawalpindi.

Dravid refused to be drawn into the debate over the choice of the opening pair for Tests, only saying: "I just feel that opening is a job that should be done by someone who enjoys it. Whoever the captain chooses, he should be very sure that the person is someone who is keen to do the job." The slot for Virender Sehwag's partner has come up for plenty of comment, with Sourav Ganguly stating that Yuvraj Singh would open in the series against Australia, while Sehwag himself made it clear that he would prefer Aakash Chopra or Sanjay Bangar.

Speaking on his approach to the coming season, Dravid said the emphasis currently was on fitness. "We start the season with four one-day tournaments and then go on to Tests in a short space of time. So the whole thing for me is to try and get fit and get into rhythm quickly and maintain that consistency right through the season."