Rahul Dravid aka “The Wall” for possessing that watertight technique and that ability to bat on for long periods of time.
He is also referred to as “Mr. Dependable” because as Sir Ian Chappel had once put it succinctly, whenever his team seemed in trouble, Rahul Dravid would be the guy it would turn to.
His 13,288 Test runs and 36 Test centuries serve an able example of Dravid’s resolve and class.
And even in his cricketing retirement, Rahul Dravid has seemed the man for all seasons. And now, Rahul Dravid is all set to preside over as the venerable NCA- the National Cricket Academy- starting July 1.
The Wall and the next-gen
Ever since he hung his boots, circa March 9, 2012, following that emotional press conference at Bangalore, the famous number 3 for India directed all energies and focus toward shaping the next generation of Indian cricketers.
After playing for the Rajasthan Royals and leading it from the front for a good couple of seasons, Rahul Dravid- formerly, reliable Test specialist- turned into a mentor. And implicit in that journey of “The Wall” has been numerable young careers that he’s helped shape.
And truth be told, it’s one thing to succeed on the 22 yards and something quite other to be part of other rising names’ success. We all probably know where to place Dravid.
While established Test elite such as Cheteshwar Pujara idolizes him, the likes of Prithvi Shaw, Kamlesh Nagarkoti and the likes have all looked up to the Bangalore-based veteran for his priceless guidance.
Rare are those occasions where accomplished cricketers get to be a part of nurturing the next generation of cricketers. And that told, one reckons that is exactly what Rahul Dravid will now get to do- and ever more closely- as he’ll direct the talents of a new-generation from NCA.
Elected the head of cricket at Bangalore-based NCA, Dravid, now approaching 46, will be closely involved in chalking out the roadmap for India’s rising cricketers.
And that is precisely where the key difference lies.
Not every day do we get to see Indian cricketers being involved in the development of the Women’s Cricket. And alongside his appointment at the NCA, Dravid will also be working closely to groom the next generation of women’s cricketers from India.
Besides appointing the coaching staff at the NCA, Dravid’s key responsibilities shall see him direct decades of wisdom, patience and genuine cricketing intellect to a direction that benefits Indian Cricket.
That told, there’s hardly a surprise that the former Indian captain (and none else) has chosen to be involved in a task that’s going to unsparingly challenging as one notes.
Because what’s life minus a challenge for Dravid anyways, right?