12 Innings when Rahul Dravid broke the myth of being just a Test batsman

11. 84 (94) v South Africa, Durban, 1997:

Most of the people who have seen this knock term this as Dravid’s best ODI knock. Unfortunately, his best was not enough to win the game for Team India but the inning marked the arrival of Dravid as the next superstar of Indian cricket.

252 in 40 overs was always a tough task for India, especially in a tri-series final. India lost Ganguly for 5 and in walked Dravid at number 3. He was already battling with personal issues as his father was due for a heart operation next day but Rahul put all that behind him. He batted like no one had ever seen him bat before. He was fluent, he was punishing, he was ruthless. Tendulkar was tormenting the bowlers at the other end and Dravid matched him stroke for stroke. The duo added 66 in less than 8 overs and were running away with the game.

RD even got the better of Allan Donald on that day. A bowler of his reputation was certainly not expecting a batsman in only the second year of his career to hammer him like that. When Dravid lofted a six over Donald’s head, he lost all his cool. The White Lightning was furious and tried to wear down Dravid with some cuss words but there was hardly any effect. Donald even mentioned in his autobiography that he lost his cool against Dravid that day admitting that is the best someone has batted against him.

Dravid looked unbeatable in that game but was eventually caught at deep mid-wicket in an attempt to score some quick runs. India were still in a decent position at his departure but failed to close out the game and lost another final. Dravid was adjudged man of the match for a scintillating batting display despite being on the losing side.