The wall’s Cricketing Career

Strong technique & reputation of defensive batsman has made Rahul Dravid the ‘The wall’ & Mr. dependable of Indian cricket team. This was also proved in 2011 England tournament by three centuries hit by Dravid, while team failed to perform. Dravid is playing good cricket in this phase but he has also seen down fall in his cricketing career. “Overall I think that the difficult period made me a better person. I learnt that life does move on and it has not come to an end if I didn’t score a 100 or got dropped from the Indian team.” said Dravid about his bad phase.

After 2000 Dravid emerged as leading test batsman. He scored centuries against West Indies, England, New Zealand & Pakistan. During this phase Dravids partnership with VVs Laxman are memorable. There Fifth -wicket partnership of 376 that made India win against Australia is historic. In 2003 world cup Dravid played as batsman, vice captain & wicket keeper so that additional batsman could be accommodated & this proved fruitful.

While 2007-2008 saw the rough phase, Dravid left captaincy to concentrate on his cricket. Though Dravid had some good series, he had set high bench mark by his previous performance. In 2008 Dravid came under media pressure to retire or be dropped. He was dropped from ODI team for 24 months. He was not even chosen for 2011 world cup.

In this period he played in IPL & kept practice of hitting balls. Now selectors have chosen Rahul Dravid for ODI & 20-20 against England. It will be probably Dravid’s last ODI series. Rahul Dravid said that at his age of 38 he will concentrate on test as he loves playing it, also this format gives him time, to spend with his family.

When Dravid will retire he has plans of getting involved with Karnataka State Cricket Association. Dravid says “I have so much that I want to give back to the game. It’s vain of me to think that I can ever give back what this game has given me but I’d like to share my experience.” In 15 years of career Dravid played gentle man’s game with his neat strokes & calm. He played many roles as a captain, wicket keeper other than a batsman for a team so truly a Mr. dependable.