Rahul Dravid – Legends of Indian Cricket – Indian Cricket Team Heroes
Rahul Sharad Dravid is a former Indian cricket captain and the current head coach of the Indian national team. He was also the designated head coach of the India Under-19 and India A teams before his assignment to the senior men’s national squad. Under his leadership, the under-19 squad finished second in the 2016 U-19 Cricket World Cup and first in the 2018 U-19 Cricket World Cup.
Dravid, known for his solid batting style, scored 24,177 runs in international cricket and is largely recognised as one of the best batters in history. He is famous as Mr. Dependable and is frequently referred to as The Wall.
Early Life and Initial Start:
Dravid was born in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, to a Marathi-speaking Brahmin family. His family eventually relocated to Bangalore, Karnataka, where he grew up.
Dravid began playing formal cricket at the age of 12 and went on to represent Karnataka at the under-15, under-17, and under-19 levels. Dravid’s skill was originally observed by former cricketer Keki Tarapore while instructing Chinnaswamy Stadium. Dravid had socred a century for his high school squad. He also served as the wicket-keeper.
While still in college, Dravid made his Ranji Trophy debut in February 1991. He made 82 runs in a tie against Maharashtra in Pune, playing with future India colleagues Anil Kumble and Javagal Srinath. He followed that with a century against Bengal and three more centuries.
Dravid’s first complete season came in 1991-92, when he struck two hundreds and totaled 380 runs at an average of 63.30, earning him selection for the South Zone cricket team in the Duleep Trophy. Dravid piqued the interest of national team selectors with his strong performances for India A in the 1994-95 home series against England A.
International Career:
Rahul Dravid made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka. However, the initial start to Dravid’s career was ordinary as he managed only 7 runs in his first two games. Thus, the ODI format did not start very well for Rahul Dravid.
On the other hand, Rahul Dravid’s test career started in an impressive manner as he scored 95 runs on his test debut at lords. He could have scored a memorable debut hundred. However, his innings of 95 runs helped India.
Dravid’s breakthrough innings came a few months later at the Wanderers, against a South African assault used to harassing visitors. Following a brief dip, he reappeared in 2001 with possibly one of the most memorable supporting performances of all time, a 376-run combination with VVS Laxman that culminated in an unexpected triumph when India followed on against Steve Waugh’s Australia.
The half-decade that followed was a golden one with the bat: Dravid scored over 600 runs in trips to England and Australia in 2002 and 2003-04, respectively.
A two-year stint as captain – Rahul Dravid as the Captain:
As captain, he led the team to series triumphs in the West Indies in 2006 and England the following year, the first time India had won in such locations in a generation. Dravid showed his class once more on India’s tour to England in 2011.
Though India was completely outplayed in the series and none of their other batters managed more than 275 runs in the Tests, he collected 461runs, including three hundreds, two of which came while opening the innings against a high-quality pace attack. However, that was followed by a disappointing series in Australia, which proved to be his final.
Retirement:
Rahul Dravid retired from One day and T20I cricket after India’s tour of England. Moreover, Dravid bid farewell to Test Cricket in January 2012, after India toured Australia.
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