An emotional, motivation and mind-shattering news hit the country. Rahul Dravid, rightly tagged as the Great Wall of India has retired from all forms of cricket, as the news was announced towards the latter end of the week.
Salutes and standing ovation. What a game Rahul Dravid?
He took the middle order of the team right to the zenith and gave some of the proudest moments in both one day and test cricket matches. His test cricket average is 52. He was never criticized for his work as getting “too old” or “too slow” and was both the foundation as well as the pillar to team blue in his entire career.
He never commented on the media buzz and stirs of talk of being overshadowed by his teammate Sachin Tendulkar and only always had more than kind words to say for him. But a compare and contrast does not fare justice as Dravid is beyond comparisons. He was soulfully with heart and mind dedicated to the team each time he walked on the field.
He is one of the four of the quad team: Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, and Sachin Tendulkar and leaves second after Ganguly. He first joined the team back in 1996 in the tour of England and what a marvelous journey has it been! He adapted to the swings and returns and throws and balls beautifully and was never under the cautioned eye. From centuries to catches to teamwork and power plays both on the field and through his words of wisdom in the locker room. The team was lucky to have him.
His numbers, records, feats and figures are all astounding, Right from the number of centuries and crossing the line to score 10000 Test runs to his performance as a batsman in Test, which he played for 17 good years. But it was not just Test that he shined like s true star, his performance in one-days as well as the twenty20 International was outstanding.
In times where the other members of the team were shaken by the set target or the falling wickets, Dravid stood against all forces and showed the path in his own light and leaves his fans with tears in their eyes and pride in their hearts.
Cheers Dravid, You did us proud!
Tags: Cricket, India, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Test Cricket, The Wall, VVS Laxman
