Former Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid has revealed that Glenn McGrath and Muttiah Muralitharan were the toughest bowlers he faced in his remarkable career. Dravid, who played international cricket from 1996 to 2012, made this revelation during an appearance on Kutti Stories with Ash, hosted by R Ashwin.
Dravid represented India in 164 Tests, 344 ODIs, and one T20I, making him one of the game’s most reliable batters. Throughout his career, he encountered many great bowlers including Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Shaun Pollock, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Chaminda Vaas, Courtney Walsh, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and Makhaya Ntini. However, he singled out McGrath and Muralitharan as his toughest opponents.
Dravid on Glenn McGrath
When asked about the most challenging fast bowler, Dravid highlighted McGrath’s extraordinary skills and consistency.
“As a fast bowler, it had to be Glenn McGrath. I thought McGrath was… I kind of played Wasim (Akram) and Waqar (Younis) at the back end of their careers. So it’s not kind of fair… People who played Wasim earlier say that he was in a different league, and I could imagine after seeing the videos, I can imagine… And even bowling at the back end of his career, he was damn good.
But I played McGrath at his peak. He was a phenomenal bowler. He challenged my off stump more than anyone ever did. Just being able to go close to the stumps, get the bounce and just the level of fitness… He was able to come at you right through the whole day. I have played faster bowlers than him, but in terms of consistency and skill, he must be the toughest bowler I’ve faced.”
McGrath’s career record supports Dravid’s view. The Australian pacer played 124 Tests and 250 ODIs between 1993 and 2007. He claimed 563 Test wickets and 381 ODI wickets. McGrath remains Australia’s most successful fast bowler in Test history and also holds the record for the most ODI wickets by an Australian.
Dravid on Muttiah Muralitharan
Dravid also reflected on the greatest spinner he faced, naming Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan.
“As a spinner, Muralitharan was the best bowler that I played against. Great skill. He had the ability to spin the ball both ways. Especially when he came round the wicket and got the doosra away from you. So, he was someone who was never tired and bowled really long spells. He kept at you and kept at you… and he is just a phenomenal spinner.”
Muralitharan’s career statistics highlight his dominance. The Sri Lankan off-spinner took 800 Test wickets, 534 ODI wickets, and 13 T20I wickets. He remains the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history and one of the most feared spinners to ever play the game.
Dravid’s Career Authority
Rahul Dravid’s own cricketing journey adds weight to his assessment of these bowlers. Known as “The Wall” for his solid defense, Dravid scored more than 24,000 runs across formats during his 16-year international career. His ability to withstand world-class bowling attacks makes his acknowledgment of Glenn McGrath and Muttiah Muralitharan even more significant.
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