Rahul Dravid didn't impress me so much when he had initially arrived...
Although technically gifted and a stylish stroke-maker that he was, he didn't score his runs fast enough for me to feel entertained while watching him!
BUT over a period of time, since the time he has 'transformed' into a one day player...since he started being a solid force against the Aussies... a guy dedicated to the team cause... doing whatever it takes in the best interest of the team (keep wickets, go bat at any position the captain wants you to... stay for as long as it takes on the screeze...)...I've really found it hard not to admire him.
He has GROWN INTO A CHAMPION, mostly due to his hard work and dedication.
Even as a captain he started off promisingly... he looked aggressive (always trying something new), didn't really seemed to care for records over wins (declaring an innings when Tendulkar was on the verge of getting a 200), didn't really mind dropping non-performing seniors (Ganguly, Zaheer)... supported all-rounders consistently(Pathan, Dhoni)...encouraged playing youngsters more... leading from the front most of the times and batting even better. Indian cricket hadn't seen that sort of aggression for a long time.
It was all fine till his experiments were working and winning matches for India. But the moment they started failing, and India lost a couple of series while getting close to the world cup, the selectors gave into the media pressure, brought back the older players, showed no faith in the captain or the coach and things were back to square one in a hurry-burry!
I guess bringing back of Ganguly, who the media portrayed as a scapegoat of Dravid/Chappel's strategy only messed up things more, adding to the confusion in the dressing room.
It's tough to believe that Dravid, a simple man that he is, had anything against Ganguly. He was probably just doing his job. And Ganguly anyway didn't warrant a place in the team solely as a batsman at that time.
And of course the world cup was one (un)forgettable affair...first round exit... something no one was prepared to witness...
By then, Dravid must have realized that the fans are supportive only as long as you win...couple of losses and your wins are all forgotten...
He must have realized that any further experimentations will not be taken positively and if at all they fail (which is likely when the team is on a low), then he'll have to take the entire wrath. That's why I think we saw a change in his strategy after the world cup. He was more of a planner, sticking to his regular batters, bowlers and not really doing anything drastic and staying away from any sort of risk, being too cautious at times.
When before he used to lead from the front, now he was seen going down the order. There was no doubt that he wasn't being himself any more...
Unlike his batting career which only got better and better, his captaincy had been on a sudden decline. It was obvious that he wasn't enjoying it anymore and was probably waiting to be let off the hook and get back to concentrate more on batting, which as per his high standards, had also hit a low for some time.
When former Indian captains were known to be sacked from captaincy, I'm glad he resigned honorably, that too on a winning note and showed what a gentleman he is.
Of course, the irony is that he'll always be remembered for not enforcing follow-on rather than for having won a historic series in England!
Now Rahul Dravid is back to doing what he does best - serve the team with his batting. He still being as youthful and fit as ever, for the next few years that he has left in international cricket, I hope he hits his peak again and gives the younger players a lesson or two on consistency.
Good luck to you, sir!
12 comments:
Hi Sandeep, you summed up exactly what i was thinking.
Dravid wasnt my fav. too during his initial days, he was far too stuck and slow. but the way he improved his game to suit the needs of the team and achieve what he has done in both forms of the game is a rolemodel and inspirational stuff. I like him for his commitment, hardwork, discipline, sincerity and humility.
Its very sad that ppl sometimes forget his achievements and dont see the change in his odi batting. Its like all his innings of over-a run-a-ball are forgetten and only the initial dravid is remembered. very sad that India does not recognize a hero of such good character.
i really hope Rahul finishes off his career by scoring tons of runs for India.
I have nothing more left to say abt the 'WALL'. You have summed it up everything nicely. I just hope and pray that I ever can have half of this great mans grit, patience, attitude and commitment to the cause. I salute him.
akshay(mailtoakshay@gmail.com)
Good work dude!!!
Hi Sandeep, you summed up so well. Its really nice one! Great wok!
Rahul Dravid is such a great person and batsman..... No body has ever given up captaincy after having a successful tour.... RD did it in style.
He is perfect Role model and one of the most SELFLESS cricketer in the world, especially with Dravid, the term "selfish" doesn't apply at all. There has been nothing selfish about his service to Indian cricket over all these years. He kept wickets, despite hating that role, for a good one year for Indian cricket. He also opened the innings when India struggled to find a good opening combination in Test cricket. So he has taken all sorts of workload upon him and has never been selfish.
In todays world when every one is running for power we are proud that we are his Fan, Fan of a person who doesn't wants to compromise, Fan of a captain who is the first in India to step down himself with Pride of winning a Series in England after 21 years. We wish to see a better game from him because his best is still awaited.
Saima Irfan!
Good article Sandeep. I am abig big fan of Rahul. I have been following his career since his Under 19 days. His game and conduct has not changed one bit.
In this age of superstars showing off after a few big games, he is one of the most sincere, humble cricketers the world has seen.
Unfortunately, the other countrie( public included) appreciate the cricketer and humanbeing in Dravid but many in India treat him like dirt. I mean he and Kumble do not get the credit they deserve. They have been the biggest matchwinners in the last few years with Laxman chipping in too.
I agree with the rest. very good work indeed. I also wrote a blog on the same topic which was more of a lamenting one than a well thought out blog. Here's the link if anyone is interested: http://cricdigs.com/component/option,com_jd-wp/Itemid,5/p,539/
Hi Sandeep ... Thanks for the link to the Blog from www.merateamindia.com ...
Very nice writeup ...
Dravid is my all time fav too ...
He definitely brought stability to the Indian side ...
Keep the blogs rolling ....
Cheers!
Well said Sandeep... nothing to add to your blog. Thats is region why he made lotz of fans. He is a perfect role model!
Good blog Mr.Sandeep...Iam very proud to say that " Iam the fan of RD ".
You have missed one point that he took whole responsibility for quitting the WC in the first round.
email a.jayachandra@gmail.com
excellent write up sandeep.... u cudn ve described RD better than tat... am a huge fan of his.... He is a perfect gentleman.... one of the best t world has evr seen...
Dear friend, Dravid as a batsman is a success, but as a captain and as a team man, he was completely failure... He feared the failure in his captancy could cost his form and he was so selfish to leave with a reason like that.. that too he just wanted to leave after a win.. If he was sincere he didn't do like that.. . He is an introvert and never boosted or inspired any body in the team.. thats how he lost support form all corners.. I disagree this part.. rest is correct.. And more over he is going to remove his ODI jersey soon. Good luck to him..
hey sandeep...well written mate..!
a really nice write up..
true from the heart n true to the words...!!!
keep up the gud work..
waiting to c more from u!!
cheers!!
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