Former India captain Rahul Dravid recently discussed the unique advantages that shorter batters possess in cricket, arguing that height isn't always a key factor for success in the game. To support his argument he also cited Virat Kohli's example.
While discussing the grace of certain batsmen, the former Indian head coach referred to Kohli as 'short-ish', before explaining why players of a shorter stature often appear more aesthetically pleasing at the crease.
Rahul Dravid opens up on height factor in batting success
India's batting legend believes that many of the sport's greatest batters including Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting, and even Don Bradman, shared a distinct advantage due to their more compact frames. He noted that their shorter build allowed them to maintain a better sense of balance and stillness. This, in turn, enabled them to generate effortless timing and make their shots look more graceful and pleasing to the eye. During his formative years as a cricketer, Dravid looked up to Sunil Gavaskar, a player whose batting style was technically quite different from his own. Dravid noted that Gavaskar's comparatively shorter stature actually gave him a distinct advantage.
Dravid went on to explain why shorter batsmen often appear more natural and elegant at the crease. However, in the process of making this point, he made a comment about Virat Kohli that he seemed to immediately regret, adding a lighthearted moment to the discussion.
"Gavaskar was a beautifully balanced player. I always remember, he always seemed to. There was a stillness when he stood, which is what I admired. I was always slightly taller, so I didn;t copy anything. I just stood in a way that made me feel uncomfortable. Tendulkar again was very balanced. Shorter people have the advantage of looking more balanced because the centre of gravity is lower. That’s what they say. A lot of great batters over the years have been shorter people. Look at Gavaskar, or Tendulkar or a [Brian] Lara or a [Ricky] Ponting… going back to [Donald] Bradman. Kohli is short-ish. Virat Kohli might not like me calling him shortish, though," Dravid said on the Haal Chaal Aur Sawaal Podcast with Ashish Kaushik.
Dravid highlighted how the game has evolved to favor taller players in the modern era. He pointed to figures like Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, Yuvraj Singh, and Kieron Pollard, who used their long reach to effortlessly smash sixes against any bowler. Dravid himself acknowledged that in today's T20 era, height and strength have become significant assets for a batsman. He noted that height provides a clear advantage, giving batters a crucial edge in the power game that dominates modern cricket.
“But today, as the game is changing and becoming a lot about power and hitting sixes. The reach of the taller guys is becoming an advantage. Physics will tell you. Kevin Pietersen, Kieron Pollard. Look at the guys who are batting these days, in T20s especially,” Dravid concluded.