India discuss future with Dravid

Dravid made his Test debut against England at Lord's in June 1996

The India chairman of selectors has had talks with Rahul Dravid about the veteran batsman's poor recent form.

Dravid, 35, made his debut in 1996 and has played 130 Tests, but has scored only 32 runs in his last six innings.

It is believed chairman Krishnamachari Srikkanth suggested Dravid should take a break from international cricket to regain form in the domestic league.

First Test hero Sachin Tendulkar backed Dravid: "It happens to all, but he's a great player, not a good player."

Dravid, who no longer plays one-day internationals, has a category A central contract with the Indian board running until September 2009.

Two of his long-standing team-mates, Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble, have recently announced their retirements.

606: DEBATE I think Dravid must be dropped now. TheEdenGardener

Dravid has compiled 25 Test centuries and 53 fifties, earning the nickname "The Wall" for his obdurate style of play, but has gone 19 innings without reaching three figures.

Commenting on the form of his colleague, Tendulkar added: "This is not the first time a cricketer has faced such problems.

"It is a cycle. Sometimes you are at your peak and at other times you are down. It happens at some point. Even I have had my ups and downs."