When Rahul Dravid was first asked about his nick name, The Wall, his response was that he didn't like it. He said that in few years time, same people calling him Wall today will throw headlines about him such as "wall is cracking or crumbling". When I first read this, I thought why is Rahul bothered about headlines of future, he should enjoy this now. After all the name was given as an honor to his ability to bat long. But that was Rahul Dravid, smart enough to see the up and down side of everything and not get carried away too much with adulation and also not get too bogged down when there is criticism. Its the balance like this which has allowed him to carve out his own chapter in the history of Indian Cricket during the era of Sachin Tendulkar where other players may just get a page or two.
Rahul has lived up to his nick name in true manner, he has played most no. of balls in test cricket than any other player in the history of cricket. This tells you 2 things, he has been around for long time and he has batted very long time. Bowlers have just bowled and bowled at him and I can imagine if they will prefer to bowl to the actual wall instead.. because atleast the actual wall doesn't punish bad balls but Rahul scores runs, 23000+ runs in international cricket are lots of them..
Rahul Dravid has always been there, you know this because you notice him in the middle when wickets are falling around him. His batting position is No. 3 , bridging the explosiveness of Sehwag and genius of Tendulkar. It wasn't until 2001 that Indian cricket fans realized the contribution from Rahul in Indian victory.. if you can recall all Indian major victories in last 10-12 years, Rahul Dravid has been the architect for all of them, though the final punch may have been delivered by some one else. Kolkata 2001, Headingly 2002, Adelaide 2003, Rawalpindi 2004, Oval 2006, WI 2007 , they are all there. Sourav Ganguly and John wright got lot of credit for India reaching the WC final in 2003, every one forgot that it was Rahul's agreement to be the wicket keeper which allowed India to play 7 batsman and they almost pulled it off. Natwest 2002 final is remembered for Kaif, he wouldn't have been playing if Dravid was not keeping.
Rahul has always been the quiet dignified face of Indian cricket and always been the fallback guy. Ganguly pulling out of Nagpur 2008 at last minute, no problem, send Rahul for toss. Openers injured, Rahul will pad up. Micheal Slater shouting on his face, he will just shake his head..Selectors dropped him from ODI, he modified his game and came back to score 10000 runs in ODI as well.
The most aggressive reaction from Dravid had come only after taking some sharp catches in slip..by the way, he has taken most catches than anybody in test cricket..
Today, on 11 Jan 2012, Rahul turns 39. He is the oldest test playing cricketer today and though he had churned out one of his best year in 2011, age is catching up fast. How would you feel if you are the oldest person working in your profession?
He is still playing on, still able to score runs but age is catching up, he is fit but reaction is slower, some catches has started to go down as well, there may still be some fire left before it calls the day.. may be one more Rahul classic left in this series, one of those back to the wall defence, nothing passing the bat unless well left.. those cuts and some pulls..another big 100.. another bat raised and another come from behind victory for India against Aussies.. yes, it will be nice to go out like that..
Happy B'day Rahul, Its scary when you don't score runs, its scarier if you are not in the team..
Rahul has lived up to his nick name in true manner, he has played most no. of balls in test cricket than any other player in the history of cricket. This tells you 2 things, he has been around for long time and he has batted very long time. Bowlers have just bowled and bowled at him and I can imagine if they will prefer to bowl to the actual wall instead.. because atleast the actual wall doesn't punish bad balls but Rahul scores runs, 23000+ runs in international cricket are lots of them..
Rahul Dravid has always been there, you know this because you notice him in the middle when wickets are falling around him. His batting position is No. 3 , bridging the explosiveness of Sehwag and genius of Tendulkar. It wasn't until 2001 that Indian cricket fans realized the contribution from Rahul in Indian victory.. if you can recall all Indian major victories in last 10-12 years, Rahul Dravid has been the architect for all of them, though the final punch may have been delivered by some one else. Kolkata 2001, Headingly 2002, Adelaide 2003, Rawalpindi 2004, Oval 2006, WI 2007 , they are all there. Sourav Ganguly and John wright got lot of credit for India reaching the WC final in 2003, every one forgot that it was Rahul's agreement to be the wicket keeper which allowed India to play 7 batsman and they almost pulled it off. Natwest 2002 final is remembered for Kaif, he wouldn't have been playing if Dravid was not keeping.
Rahul has always been the quiet dignified face of Indian cricket and always been the fallback guy. Ganguly pulling out of Nagpur 2008 at last minute, no problem, send Rahul for toss. Openers injured, Rahul will pad up. Micheal Slater shouting on his face, he will just shake his head..Selectors dropped him from ODI, he modified his game and came back to score 10000 runs in ODI as well.
The most aggressive reaction from Dravid had come only after taking some sharp catches in slip..by the way, he has taken most catches than anybody in test cricket..
Today, on 11 Jan 2012, Rahul turns 39. He is the oldest test playing cricketer today and though he had churned out one of his best year in 2011, age is catching up fast. How would you feel if you are the oldest person working in your profession?
He is still playing on, still able to score runs but age is catching up, he is fit but reaction is slower, some catches has started to go down as well, there may still be some fire left before it calls the day.. may be one more Rahul classic left in this series, one of those back to the wall defence, nothing passing the bat unless well left.. those cuts and some pulls..another big 100.. another bat raised and another come from behind victory for India against Aussies.. yes, it will be nice to go out like that..
Happy B'day Rahul, Its scary when you don't score runs, its scarier if you are not in the team..
Rahul has achieved a legendary status already. He doesn't need to prove it anymore. The fact that he is still performing better than most of the younger team mates is a testament to his commitment to excellence. He will retain the respect of cricketers and fans worldwide even if his performance goes downhill from here. Overall, a brilliant career one can only dream of.
ReplyDeleteyes, however knowing that how Proud he is of his own performance, the day he will realize that he can not bring anything to team or there is someone better waiting, he will go. I am afraid that he will go in quiet manner, after the series in some press conference and will not aim to get Steve waugh or even Ganguly kind of send off..though he deserves one just the same..
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