Rahul Dravid as the captain of Rajasthan Royals led
them to win Kingfisher fair play award in DLF IPL 2012. Fair play award is given on
the basis of team’s performance in batting and bowling over-rate issues,
playing with the game spirit and sportsmanship, respecting the umpires, opposition
and team players and sticking to the rules of the game.
Dravid receiving such an award is no surprise
because of his qualities is already showcased in carrier. Dravid gave 100%
every time he stepped on the field. He did his homework and almost gave 100% attendance
for practice session. Patience and temper are the greatest qualities for a test
match batsman and Dravid had them in plenty. Above qualities made him to play
93 consecutive test matches for India. He is among the elite group of
cricketers to contribute in batting, bowling and wicket-keeping, captaincy
turning into a wicket-keeper is a difficult one and as the team demanded he
raised to situation and delivered a great record as wicket-keeper.
Determination and passion to play cricket resulted a faultless behavior in his
long carrier and with no controversies. Delivering when the team needed him
most lead him to gain famous titles like Mr. Dependable and Wall of Indian
cricket. Every cricketer who has played
and watched the Dravid in and off the field can witness the fact. Even though
he was the highest run getter for India in 2011 England tour, he failed badly
in 2011-2012 Australia series and as the next test match for India is only after
an 8 months or so, he decided to retire and make a way for a youngster. A
perfect team player quality was again highlighted by his retirement from Test
cricket. When Australia played mind games and every time aggression was shown
to him, he makes his revenge only with the bat and never should a miss behavior.
He came to criticism only during two events. One of them was making a declaration
of Indian innings against Pakistan in Multan, the criticism was made because
the declaration was made when Sachin Tendulkar was batting at 196 and even
though there was enough time was left in day for Sachin completing his 200. The
other is his captaincy during West Indies 2007 World cup where India exited
from the cup as it lost to Bangladesh. Wall has been a great ambassador for the
game of cricket and his contribution to Indian cricket will be cherished by everyone
in future too.
We can take his qualities of determination,
conviction and practicing skills and apply to our goals and dreams to make
ourselves a successful human being.
