There are many red letter days in history…..yesterday was Indian Cricket’s. A day that will go down in cricketing history, as Rahul Dravid announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, both international and domestic. The man often nicknamed ‘The Wall’ and ‘Mr.Dependable’ chose a quiet moment via a press conference to announce his retirement. The fact that he didn’t choose to retire in action, heightened my respect for the great man. Cricketers have known to retire amidst standing ovations from huge crowds and team mates. More like a gala event I Say. When asked why he didn’t choose to retire while playing, Dravid replied with an honest “I can’t wait that long, I’d be robbing a younger talent of an opportunity to prove himself on the team’. For all those who followed Indian Cricket devotedly in the late 90’s and early 2000’s…Dravid’s contribution would definitely stand out. Be it the flourishing 180 he notched up along with VVS Laxman’s immortal 281 against Australia at Kolkata, 2001 or the splendid 270 he scored against Pakistan at Rawalpindi in the summer of ’04, Dravid always lead from the front. Classy strokes, a solid defence and alert fielding are the traits I will always remember him for. There was a time when Backstreet boys ruled the roost in the music charts,when the digital world was rapidly accelerating. It was at the same time that Indian cricket saw the formation of a formidable trio in The Wall-Mr Dravid, The Little Maestro-Mr. Tendulkar and the Very Very Special-Mr.Laxman. Led by a very classy,highly unrewarded and probably best captain since Kapil Dev- Sourav Ganguly, Indian Cricket was at it's very best. The Glory Days as I call them. It was always a pleasure to watch these legends fight it out on the field. These legends were the -reason I fell in love with the gentleman’s game-Cricket. Though I took more pleasure in taking to the field myself and playing with boys of various ages against my dear mother’s wishes, I always took time to watch Rahul Dravid play. Crazy fights for the TV remote ensued in my household when I wanted to watch cricket. I miss the beautiful days when all the cousins and elders grouped around the TV set to watch Dravid take control of the game. We would later indulge in a deep discussion about his game.
He is without doubt the most ‘used’ man in the team. He would bat at whatever position he was asked to, donned the wicketkeeper’s gloves for some period of time as well. Not a complaint ever escaped his lips. The word Controversy never existed in his dictionary. For as long as I can remember he expressed himself through his cricket…..preferred to let his bat do all the talking. I would explode in anger at the merciless way Rahul Dravid was used without giving a thought for the man’s self-respect and seniority. . There was a time when he was ignored by the selectors despite proving himself time and again. Yet at yesterday’s press conference Dravid spoke highly of the Indian Team, the selectors and fans. For all the faith and support they showered on him. For all the gallant contributions he made, he was most of the times overshadowed by Sachin Tendulkar… I've never saw him complaining. When India won the World Cup last year, people lauded Sachin Tendulkar as someone who bore Indian Cricket’s weight for 20 years. Sachin could never have done that without Rahul Dravid. Batting at the crease, at times with half the Indian side Back in the dressing room, Dravid would steer a rocking ship in stormy waters with grace and aplomb. Be it in his classy cover drives, a particular type of hook shot only he perfected or his trademark shy smile, ‘Dravidian’ (as I call him) was always a pleasure to watch. Sweetly timed shots were his forte. As soon as the bat connected with the ball, there was no doubt that it would race to the boundary. No chance for the fielders there :D. Not one single batsmen of the present era, has learned which ball to leave and which to play. Dravid was a perfectionist in that. Patience at the crease was an important tool for him. Always termed as a defensive batsman, Dravid won games that were deemed lost.
Despite being a reliable, consistent and accomplished player he was forced most of the times to slog and work hard for his position on the team, the same position that was always guaranteed for Sachin Tendulkar. Not fair, but again no complaints here from “The Wall”. He took it upon himself to fight bravely for his position on the team. He casually mentions that it helped him stay alert and in focus. Off the field I will always remember Dravid for the gentleman he is. Quiet, Alluring, Subtle and for the Introvert that he is, I will Always love Rahul Dravid. He is the unsung hero of Indian Cricket. His retirement, I’m sure will be just the first among more to come...Sachin is sure to follow along with VVS. Already watching cricket without these greats is oh so boring. Modern Cricket might produce timely heroes but not legends any more. Cricket no longer seems to be the yesteryear's gentleman's game......the commercial version is taking over, Never a good sign.As accolades and praise pours in from all corners of the world, i am left pondering if watching cricket will ever be the same. Cricket has also been restructured to suit the fast paced nature of modern world. The emotional fool that I am, I did shed precious tears at the thought that there will be no more "Wall" to rebuild the Indian Innings in times of distress. There will be no more alert catches in the Slips. As we watch a new batch of young Indian Cricketers take on the challenge of building a formidable team...the inputs, advice and presence of Rahul Dravid in the Indian Dressing Room will be sorely missed. Rightly summed up in the words of the Little Maestro, “There was and is only one Rahul Dravid".
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| Dravid In Action |
He is without doubt the most ‘used’ man in the team. He would bat at whatever position he was asked to, donned the wicketkeeper’s gloves for some period of time as well. Not a complaint ever escaped his lips. The word Controversy never existed in his dictionary. For as long as I can remember he expressed himself through his cricket…..preferred to let his bat do all the talking. I would explode in anger at the merciless way Rahul Dravid was used without giving a thought for the man’s self-respect and seniority. . There was a time when he was ignored by the selectors despite proving himself time and again. Yet at yesterday’s press conference Dravid spoke highly of the Indian Team, the selectors and fans. For all the faith and support they showered on him. For all the gallant contributions he made, he was most of the times overshadowed by Sachin Tendulkar… I've never saw him complaining. When India won the World Cup last year, people lauded Sachin Tendulkar as someone who bore Indian Cricket’s weight for 20 years. Sachin could never have done that without Rahul Dravid.
Despite being a reliable, consistent and accomplished player he was forced most of the times to slog and work hard for his position on the team, the same position that was always guaranteed for Sachin Tendulkar. Not fair, but again no complaints here from “The Wall”. He took it upon himself to fight bravely for his position on the team. He casually mentions that it helped him stay alert and in focus. Off the field I will always remember Dravid for the gentleman he is. Quiet, Alluring, Subtle and for the Introvert that he is, I will Always love Rahul Dravid. He is the unsung hero of Indian Cricket. His retirement, I’m sure will be just the first among more to come...Sachin is sure to follow along with VVS. Already watching cricket without these greats is oh so boring. Modern Cricket might produce timely heroes but not legends any more. Cricket no longer seems to be the yesteryear's gentleman's game......the commercial version is taking over, Never a good sign.As accolades and praise pours in from all corners of the world, i am left pondering if watching cricket will ever be the same. Cricket has also been restructured to suit the fast paced nature of modern world. The emotional fool that I am, I did shed precious tears at the thought that there will be no more "Wall" to rebuild the Indian Innings in times of distress. There will be no more alert catches in the Slips. As we watch a new batch of young Indian Cricketers take on the challenge of building a formidable team...the inputs, advice and presence of Rahul Dravid in the Indian Dressing Room will be sorely missed. Rightly summed up in the words of the Little Maestro, “There was and is only one Rahul Dravid".
Miss U Jammy :(
