"Can't Judge Middle-order By Numbers': Rahul Dravid On India's Cricket World Cup Campaign

There was a hint of concern surrounding the Indian middle-order, particularly around KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer ahead of the World Cup, but head coach Rahul Dravid on Saturday expressed his delight over the manner in which they responded to the task at the showpiece. Rahul returned from a tendon injury during the recent Asia Cup while Iyer had to battle against a back spasm before getting fit just in time for the marquee event.

While they have not set the stage ablaze, Rahul's tally of 245 runs and Iyer's 293 runs have allowed India a good degree of batting solidity in the tournament.

"How well your middle-order performs in challenging situations under pressure, is going to probably decide how well you do. While our top order batters performed exceptionally well, I think our middle-order played very critical roles," Dravid said.

Dravid was not worried about the fact that the numbers of players like Rahul and Iyer were not as glossy as some other batters in the side.

"You can't judge them by numbers. It only gives you half of the picture, but it's actually some of those 30s, 40s, critical knocks. I can look back at the contributions of our middle-order and they'll come only in sort of spurts -- a Shreyas (Iyer), or a KL (Rahul), or a Surya (Suryakumar Yadav), and Jaddu's (Ravindra Jadeja) important knock in Dharamsala. These small things actually what really gives you those ticks," said Dravid.

The former Indian captain was impressed the way Iyer made his comeback into the side after his injury to make some vital contributions.

"He brings temperament -- one of the things Shreyas has shown us from the time I have seen him at India A -- the way he handles success and failure. He's able to bring the best out of himself under