Will take a long time to fill gap left behind by Dravid, says Tiwary

Jharkhand captain Saurbh Tiwary today said it will take a long time to fill the gap left following the retirement of Team India’s senior member Rahul Dravid.

Dravid, who had already announced his retirement from One-day International announced his retirement from international cricket at a press conference held in Bangalore today.

When asked for his reaction over Dravid’s retirement decision, Tiwary, who was a member of Royal Challengers, Bangalore team in Indian Premier League IV as well as forthcoming edition, said Dravid has been a legendary cricketer and contributed a lot to Indian cricket.

"I do not think I should comment anything about his decision even though I knew he must have given a lot of thought before making the announcement from the longer version of the game," Tiwary told PTI when asked whether it was an appropriate time for him to retire keeping in view his recent performance in Australia.

Whoever will eye to fill the place left behind by Dravid in Test cricket, he will have to work hard as it will take a long time to replace his place, he observed.

Tiwary regretted that he did not had the opportunity to play alongside him but against him in IPL.

Asked about his preparation for the forthcoming IPI V commencing in Chennai on April 4, Tiwary said he has been working hard and assured that he will put his best.