'I saw Sachin Tendulkar unhappy for the first time': Former India opener reveals dressing room tensions after 194* declaration

NEW DELHI: The unforgettable incident in Multan in 2004, where Rahul Dravid , standing in as captain for the injured Sourav Ganguly, declared India's innings with Sachin Tendulkar left stranded on 194 not out, remains a significant moment of tension between two cricketing legends in the minds of fans.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra , who was part of that match, shared his insights about the event and the atmosphere in the dressing room after the declaration was made. According to Chopra, Tendulkar appeared to be "unhappy" with the decision, and there was a sense that something "wasn't right" following the call.

"I was in the dressing room, but I wasn't part of that conversation. To be very honest, I didn't even try to get into it because I was too young. Yes, paaji wasn't happy that day. I think I saw him unhappy for the first time. I never saw him lose temper, and he didn't exactly lose temper that day but he was visibly unhappy. Something wasn't right," Chopra told YouTube channel 2 Sloggers.

Chopra also suggested that the decision to declare the innings may have been made by the team management, and not solely by Dravid.

"Rahul did call, but Dada (Ganguly) was part of the dressing room that day too. He wasn't playing in that game, but he was in dressing room and I'm sure he was part of the think-tank. It wasn't the captain's decision alone," said Chopra.

"After the game, Rahul did say that he wouldn't have declared had he known the match would end within 4 days.

"With Rahul, it is possible that in heat of the moment, you agree or disagree. But you don't doubt his decision. You know that even if he was at a similar position, he would've taken the same decision."

During the first Test of India's historic series against Pakistan, Tendulkar was batting brilliantly and approaching his double century after Virender Sehwag bludgeoned 309 in the match to become India's first Test triple-centurion. However, with India's score at 675/5, Dravid made the surprising decision to declare the innings, leaving Tendulkar just six runs short of a milestone.

Dravid's decision was based on strategic reasons. He felt that putting Pakistan in to bat at that moment would give India the best chance to capitalize on the deteriorating pitch and the tired opposition.