Thank You, Sir.
Technically correct and huge appetite for batting are the first qualities which come to my mind when the name Rahul Dravid comes up. I am a huge Ganguly fan but I must admit that I am Dravid fan too. I am lucky that Rahul Dravid was a cricketer from my generation. I followed his career from start to finish and grew up idolizing him. He played a huge role in the way I have approached batting. I learned so much just by watching him not only about batting aspects but the way he handles himself on and off field. He respects the game, very disciplined, and willing to fight it out no matter in what batting form he is in. He had a dogged approach to batting. I remember when I used to play with my friends at Sital Baug (toughest place to play - bowlers used to bowl of 16 yards and it was really quick and good bounce) I would just imitate him, try to play as correct as possible, long hours and not worry about scoring runs.
The first time I came know about him was after 1996 WC Semi-Final debacle in Calcutta, India was suppose to play an ODI series in Sharjah and he was picked after the side had undergone major changes. He played a couple of ODI innings but didn't do too well. Later India were off to England where he got his chance at Lord's at number six, he had a perfect technique for English conditions (hist record in England is immaculate). He was unlucky to be out at 95 but that was a start to a magnificent career. Initially he and Azhar had some wonderful partnerships and you could see he was learning from the senior. There was a time in late 90's when he almost fell into the trap that destroyed Manjrekar's career, delving too much on batting technique and forgetting that batting objective is to score runs, this cost him ODI place. The quest to regain his place in ODI team led him to be more positive and play more shots which also helped him immensly in Test matches. He played his best cricket once he comeback to ODI and formed a strong middle order.
There are quite a few memories of his career which has stuck with me, debut innings at Lord's, fighting innings on 1996/97 tour of SA in Durban where India was all out for 66 and 100, six to Donald in a final in 1996/97 series, couple of 100s in NZ where batting was tough, 2001 Kolkata test, 2003/04 series in Australia and the list goes on. He was one of the reason India started doing well abroad in 2000's and one person who thrived in foreign condition's. The only time I didn't like him was when he captained the side, I am not sure if Greg Chappel had a part to play or not but he was never in control. Looking at the way he captained Rajasthan Royals in IPL6 (2013) which was brilliant, I think India was robbed of an astute leader.
Wish you all the luck in life after cricket Sir.
Note: I started writing this piece when Rahul Dravid announce retirement in 2012 after Australia tour only to complete it now.
Technically correct and huge appetite for batting are the first qualities which come to my mind when the name Rahul Dravid comes up. I am a huge Ganguly fan but I must admit that I am Dravid fan too. I am lucky that Rahul Dravid was a cricketer from my generation. I followed his career from start to finish and grew up idolizing him. He played a huge role in the way I have approached batting. I learned so much just by watching him not only about batting aspects but the way he handles himself on and off field. He respects the game, very disciplined, and willing to fight it out no matter in what batting form he is in. He had a dogged approach to batting. I remember when I used to play with my friends at Sital Baug (toughest place to play - bowlers used to bowl of 16 yards and it was really quick and good bounce) I would just imitate him, try to play as correct as possible, long hours and not worry about scoring runs.
The first time I came know about him was after 1996 WC Semi-Final debacle in Calcutta, India was suppose to play an ODI series in Sharjah and he was picked after the side had undergone major changes. He played a couple of ODI innings but didn't do too well. Later India were off to England where he got his chance at Lord's at number six, he had a perfect technique for English conditions (hist record in England is immaculate). He was unlucky to be out at 95 but that was a start to a magnificent career. Initially he and Azhar had some wonderful partnerships and you could see he was learning from the senior. There was a time in late 90's when he almost fell into the trap that destroyed Manjrekar's career, delving too much on batting technique and forgetting that batting objective is to score runs, this cost him ODI place. The quest to regain his place in ODI team led him to be more positive and play more shots which also helped him immensly in Test matches. He played his best cricket once he comeback to ODI and formed a strong middle order.
There are quite a few memories of his career which has stuck with me, debut innings at Lord's, fighting innings on 1996/97 tour of SA in Durban where India was all out for 66 and 100, six to Donald in a final in 1996/97 series, couple of 100s in NZ where batting was tough, 2001 Kolkata test, 2003/04 series in Australia and the list goes on. He was one of the reason India started doing well abroad in 2000's and one person who thrived in foreign condition's. The only time I didn't like him was when he captained the side, I am not sure if Greg Chappel had a part to play or not but he was never in control. Looking at the way he captained Rajasthan Royals in IPL6 (2013) which was brilliant, I think India was robbed of an astute leader.
Wish you all the luck in life after cricket Sir.
Note: I started writing this piece when Rahul Dravid announce retirement in 2012 after Australia tour only to complete it now.
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