Injured Rahul Dravid's effort goes in vain, Vijay CC lose at KSCA Group III league tournament

BENGALURU: The quintessential team man that the former Rahul Dravid is, the former India captain battled injury and played until he had to be helped off the field, but his courage failed to lift the fortunes of Vijaya Cricket Club, Malur, in the semifinal of the KSCA Group III league tournament on Sunday. Against Jayanagar Cricketers, Vijaya CC crashed to a five-wicket loss.
Hoping to help his team earn a promotion, Rahul played his second match of the tournament at the Kreeda Kshetra ground. Last weekend, Rahul, after a 13-year hiatus, had returned to club cricket, playing alongside his younger son Anvay.
Opting to bat, Vijaya CC were battling at 12/3 in the seventh over, when Rahul joined son Anvay at the crease. Two deliveries into his stay, the 52-year-old appeared in discomfort, his leg troubling him, but he continued to play and erected a 66-ball 43-run partnership with Anvay for the fourth wicket.
During his 28-ball 29, Rahul appeared averse to singles—played 17 dot balls— and dealt in boundaries, clobbering six of them.
In the 18^th over, Rahul—from the non-striker’s end—responding to Anvay’s call for a single. He took off but halted in pain after a few steps. He is said to have pulled a calf muscle and had to be assisted out by his teammates.
Needing medical attention, the former India head coach did not return to the field and took no further part in the match. Vijaya CC ended with 149/9 in 40 overs. Rahul’s stay at the crease lasted 53 minutes. Vijaya were 55/3 when Rahul hobbled out and Anvay (22) followed him to the pavilion in the 21^st over. Jayanagar Cricketers overhauled the paltry target in 31.3 overs.
Rahul, currently the head coach of Rajasthan Royals, took time out to inspire the team, which could have been promoted to the KSCA second division league if they had made the final.