United by IPL; Warne, Dravid revisit their first battleground

Chennai: Rahul Dravid and Shane Warne first squared off in a Test match here at MA Chidambaram Stadium, in 1998, and since then, Warne dismissed Dravid on eight occasions in 10 Tests.

A decade later, they share a dressing room, and return to the same venue where they had those memorable battles, including the one which saw India win the historic 2001 series.

Dravid revealed to MiD DAY that he still talks to Warne about the 2001 series.

"We have discussed that series a few times during the course of the last four weeks. Since we are spending so much time together, we have also discussed other battles we had. Personally, when we were playing that tense Test series, I never imagined ten years later, we would be sharing a dressing room. That's the beauty of the IPL - it proves an opportunity to play with or under guys that I have competed against," said the Indian batting legend.

The former India captain showered praises for Warne, who had taken 11 wickets from 8 games before today's contest against Chennai Super Kings. "I have really enjoyed playing under Warney, he's got so many fresh ideas under his sleeve at all times," he said.