Rahul Dravid during the Newzealand series said he didn't quite understand what the whole "natural game" thing was all about and what mattered was it is the ability to adapt for any player, which makes him a great player eventually. I think it's become a cliche of sorts. Thanks to the power play's in ODI and the T20 format.
While most of the player's credit their success to the "natural game" phenomenon, i feel it has seldom worked barring for a few. The whole problem is, it is embarrassing for the players and teams ending up on the losing side. The game between Rajasthan Royal and Royal Challengers Bangalore was a testimony to this.
First it was Robin Uthappa who succumbed with a mistimed shot with the score reading 17/2 with 15 overs to spare. At this point, all that was required of Robin to stick his neck out and build a nice partnership alongside Kevin Pietersen with Dravid due to come next. The Royals had their share of natural game players in Asnodkar and Tyron Henderson. Asnodkar trying to pull of a good length outswinging delivery wouldn't have even impressed Shipla Shetty, for it made him inept to handle quality bowling.
However it was the master who came out and showed how the game is played. Having lost early wickets Dravid ensured he played a long innings, building partnerships and once set paced the innings brilliantly with boundaries. And deservingly the knock earned him the man of the match which is sure to keep the critics hiding behind their couch.
Clearly it is the ability to play to the situation accordingly and use the natural game as a weapon to counter the opponents at the right moment. The Gayle's, Tendulkar's and the McCullum's know it at the back of their mind and that is why they succeed.
A one off knock could just be a flash in the pan. But its high time the mentality amongst the youngsters change, or else playing the natural game every time would make you look really stupid.
