NEW DELHI, Nov 15: Out-of-form Rahul Dravid can consider taking a short break from the game to rediscover his touch, according to former Indian cricketers who insisted that the batting stalwart needs just one good knock to turn things around.

The former players made it clear that Dravid, 35, should be given ‘rest’ only if he wants it and the national selectors should not put undue pressure by axing him for the upcoming two-Test home series against England.

While Anshuman Gaekwad and Abbas Ali Baig were not averse to the idea of giving Dravid a break if required, former wicket-keeper Syed Kirmani felt such a step would be unfair for a batsman of his stature and class.

“He [Dravid] is a great player and it is just a matter of one good innings. It does not take them long to come back. Since the Tests against England will start in December, he can play in domestic matches. If he still does not get runs, he can think of taking a break and come back fresh. But then, it should be his decision,” Gaekwad said.

Dravid has been in miserable form for the last few months which has prompted his detractors to question his place in the Test team.

With Saurav Ganguly and Anil Kumble retiring recently, there has been intense speculation that the 35-year-old Dravid could be next in the line.

Although the rock-solid batsman Karnataka has so far aggregated 10,366 runs that included 25 centuries and 53 half-centuries in 129 Tests at an impressive average of 52.61, the last two series against Sri Lanka and Australia have been extremely disappointing for him.

Since July this year, the batsman has scored just two half-centuries in 13 innings against Sri Lanka and Australia with 68 being his best knock against Sri Lanka in Colombo.—Agencies