Rahul Dravid - Wall of Indian Cricket

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.