Hi all!
I usually write posts when I am happy. This is probably the first time I am doing it with a sad, rather pensive mood. I could hardly read the newspaper headlines today that read "Rahul Dravid announces retirement..." I knew I had tears in my eyes. I couldn't control myself. This is probably the saddest day in 'my' cricket-following history. Dravid had been my single inspiration right from my childhood.
There had been many occasions when I have switched on the Television just to see him bat. Not just the live ones, but the highlights too. And again. My following of Dravid is not just like a fan, there was always so much to learn from him. There's more to this great Indian than meets the eye. You need to follow closely to understand how, many people are feeling, on His retirement, right now!!!
I know there have been many articles in and around the media about Dravid's retirement. But this is my blog all the same! It's my turn!
---> I still remember his debut innings against England at Lord's. This happened long before I saw the chessboard...! This was probably, I don't know for sure, my inspiration to do something in sports; to experience some joy that only sports can bring about...
---> In 1997, I fervently hoped I would meet him some day. It did happen after ten years! He came to my school (Velammal) and gave me a prize! That's one day I will never forget! (No trace / photo of the historic event exists...( )
---> Mr.Dravid has represented the game like no other player ever did! As Matthew Hayden says, "If you want to see what aggression is, in Cricket, look into Dravid's eyes"! No Aussie batsman, or any Aussie cricketer for that matter, would heap such a praise on another country's cricketer, so easily! That says it all.
---> Dravid, (along with Kumble, in most cases) have silent won more matches and FOUGHT more matches for India than any other player for us!
---> His concentration, focus, discipline, learning and technique are stuff that will need new literature to be told to the next generation of cricketers!
---> "The Wall" is not just ANOTHER nickname - it had to be earned! Even though Dravid himself did not like this name, we used it more often to just put-the-load-on-him-and-escape... rather than enjoying it! This is the truth! Silently... he made history!
---> Mostly, we never have honored him as a slip catcher! Now that he has left, we will all see something 'else' that we have just lost!
---> New Zealanders have always placed Dravid a notch higher than Sachin and others (This is an open secret though!). Probably they knew the truth! Indeed, and rightly so, during the years of 2002 to around 2004, Dravid was the most sought-after wicket in world Cricket!
---> According to me, what we will miss above all is the 'sense' of security that was so profound in the Indian batting line-up. Of course, the situation will change in due course, but it will never be the same! "Some players cannot be replaced!"
---> I am a GREAT FAN of RAHUL DRAVID!!! And I will continue to be one! Happy to be in the same era and watch him play!!!
Long live the King!!!
I usually write posts when I am happy. This is probably the first time I am doing it with a sad, rather pensive mood. I could hardly read the newspaper headlines today that read "Rahul Dravid announces retirement..." I knew I had tears in my eyes. I couldn't control myself. This is probably the saddest day in 'my' cricket-following history. Dravid had been my single inspiration right from my childhood.
There had been many occasions when I have switched on the Television just to see him bat. Not just the live ones, but the highlights too. And again. My following of Dravid is not just like a fan, there was always so much to learn from him. There's more to this great Indian than meets the eye. You need to follow closely to understand how, many people are feeling, on His retirement, right now!!!
I know there have been many articles in and around the media about Dravid's retirement. But this is my blog all the same! It's my turn!
---> I still remember his debut innings against England at Lord's. This happened long before I saw the chessboard...! This was probably, I don't know for sure, my inspiration to do something in sports; to experience some joy that only sports can bring about...
---> In 1997, I fervently hoped I would meet him some day. It did happen after ten years! He came to my school (Velammal) and gave me a prize! That's one day I will never forget! (No trace / photo of the historic event exists...( )
---> Mr.Dravid has represented the game like no other player ever did! As Matthew Hayden says, "If you want to see what aggression is, in Cricket, look into Dravid's eyes"! No Aussie batsman, or any Aussie cricketer for that matter, would heap such a praise on another country's cricketer, so easily! That says it all.
---> Dravid, (along with Kumble, in most cases) have silent won more matches and FOUGHT more matches for India than any other player for us!
---> His concentration, focus, discipline, learning and technique are stuff that will need new literature to be told to the next generation of cricketers!
---> "The Wall" is not just ANOTHER nickname - it had to be earned! Even though Dravid himself did not like this name, we used it more often to just put-the-load-on-him-and-escape... rather than enjoying it! This is the truth! Silently... he made history!
---> Mostly, we never have honored him as a slip catcher! Now that he has left, we will all see something 'else' that we have just lost!
---> New Zealanders have always placed Dravid a notch higher than Sachin and others (This is an open secret though!). Probably they knew the truth! Indeed, and rightly so, during the years of 2002 to around 2004, Dravid was the most sought-after wicket in world Cricket!
---> According to me, what we will miss above all is the 'sense' of security that was so profound in the Indian batting line-up. Of course, the situation will change in due course, but it will never be the same! "Some players cannot be replaced!"
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| Dravid in our school, I am visible with my mustache here! |
---> I am a GREAT FAN of RAHUL DRAVID!!! And I will continue to be one! Happy to be in the same era and watch him play!!!
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| Rahul Dravid - the Legend of Test Cricket |
Long live the King!!!
