Opinion is divided in India as to whether Rahul Dravid should be given a break from the stresses and strains of Test cricket.

Dravid has struggled to find form in recent months, netting a mere 268 runs in the last seven Tests he has played.

This startling statistic compares unfavourably with the 10,366 runs the Karnataka-born star has hit throughout his career on cricket's biggest stage.

Having been omitted from England's squad for the ongoing ODI series against England, Dravid will be hoping to earn a recall for the two Tests the tourists are scheduled to play in Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

It's a move that has received cautious backing from former selector Anshuman Gaekwad, who believes Dravid's rest, if there is to be one, should be on his terms and not enforced by any omission from India's Test squad.

"He is a great player and it is just a matter of one good innings," Gaekwad said.

"It does not take them (great players) 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."

While Gaekawd's stance has received support in some quarters, others, such as former India Test wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani, believe that any time spent away from the crease would be grossly unfair to a batsman of Dravid's class and reputation.

The first Test against England will begin on December 11 in Ahmedabad, with the second taking place in Mumbai eight days later.