JAMMY- A Monument In the Making

Well, let’s start with some quotes on his game,

“He is one player who would walk on broken glass if his team asks him to.”- Navjot Singh Sidhu

“If there was one player who could get a direct entry in the Australian team of 90s, it would be him.”- Glen McGrath

“Try to take his wickets in the first 15 minutes, if not, try to take the remaining wickets.”- Steve Waugh

“THE FORTRESS could also describe him, because once he gets set, you need a dozen of cannon ball, firing all at once to bring him down.”- Shane Warne

“If I had to give someone to bat for my life, it would be Kallis or Dravid.”- Brian Lara

“If the batting pitch is a minefield, give me Rahul Dravid.”

Some on his comparison with Sachin Tendulkar,

“If a martian would come to Earth and he is asked who is the greatest cricketer ever, he would say Rahul Dravid and not Sachin Tendulkar.”

“If Dravid was born in any other country, he would have been a greater player than Sachin Tendulkar.”

“Although Sachin is great, I have always found Dravid more challenging. He is solid and makes less mistakes.”

And when it comes to his personality and his charm as a person, the saying are endless. Rahul Sharad Dravid, probably the greatest batsman to ever walked on this earth, had a career that inspired millions and impressed billions. His first ever innings of 95 against England was enough to describe his entire personality. He was just 5 runs short of a remarkable hundred, when he nicked the delivery to the keeper and walked ever before the umpire’s decision. When asked, he said that the entire crowd heard the nick. Jammy made it clear to the English that they have witnessed a Gentleman in the making.

His 6 hours long innings forced Sandeep Patil, the then Indian coach, to drop Jadeja to make room for Dravid in the playing XI, and Jammy always proved his worth. In his opening season 1996-97, he topped the international charts for leading run scorer in tests and then again in 98-99 season. There was no stopping to his golden run in the tests, but he was continuously failing in ODIs. He was in and out of the Indian ODI team before his dream season of 1999. He was involved in two 300 partnership with Sourav Ganguly against Sri Lanka and with Sachin against New Zealand, scoring 146 and 153 respectively. But then came a downfall in his career. His form deteriorated in tests and was pushed down to No. 6, having Laxman replaced him at No. 3.

The Aussies were on a roll with 15 straight wins and made it 16 after winning the first test. They were on their way for the 17, when India struggled at 232-4, in the follow on innings, still needing 42 runs to avoid an innings defeat. Then came the Wall at No. 6 and forged a partnership with VVS that is still regarded as the greatest knocks ever played in the history of the game. The two batted for almost one and a half day. Steve Waugh tried 9 bowlers but the wall didn’t crack. The wall celebrated his century in an unorthodox manner, raising his bat to the press box, who continuously criticized Dravid for his playing style.

There were plenty more instances, when Dravid proved why he is the Mr. Dependable for India. With India struggling at 85-4 against the Aussies, Dravid built up partnerships with Laxman and tale enders to register a historic win at Adelaide. In the later part of his career, when India was crushed by England by 4-0, Dravid scored three centuries and received standing ovations every time he walked out on the field. Dravid didn’t fail to impress in the shortest format of the game. He led Rajasthan Royals in the Champions League T20 finals, and played a crucial role in RCB’s rode to final in 2009 season. In 2012, after getting continuously bowled by the Aussies, he, without any hesitation announced his retirement from Tests, depriving him of a respectful Guard of Honour from tests.

Coming to my thoughts on the career of this gentleman. Rahul Dravid, could not just be regarded as the greatest batsman, but he truly is the finest human being. Brett Lee once said, “If you are struggling with Rahul Dravid, you are struggling in life.” 

The 22 yards must feel itself lucky, as it witnessed Rahul Dravid playing on it. 

The respect that Rahul Dravid earned in his 16 years of career is still a dream for many. Harsha Bhogle once said, “When I am done with my profession, I wish I could go with the reputation that Rahul Dravid earned.” 

Batting on for 7 long hours after being hit on the jaw, just because the team needed it. 

Ending his career of elegance and defensive stroke play with a slog, just because the team needed it. 

Declaring the innings with the master at 194, and facing criticism of billions, just because the team needed it. 

That’s Rahul Dravid for you.

 

Even after retirement, the wall couldn’t sit still. He was appointed as the coach for the U-19 Cricket team and had continued polishing new gems from there. Ajinkya Rahane, Karun Nair even Shane Watson praise Rahul Dravid for their game. I am not sure but I have heard that Dravid was offered the role of Indian coach but respectfully refused as he wanted to serve the juniors. Doesn’t that call for respect? Not only this, unlike any other mentor or coach, you would see Rahul Dravid sitting with his pen and notebook beside Paddy Upton in each and every cricket match making notes about the pros and cons of the “boys.” That’s dedication and that’s love. 

While his other mates, Ganguly, Sachin, Sehwag are busy making heavy profits by commercialization, commentary etc. Dravid is still deeply involved with the 22 yards, where he continues to search for new Indian gems. The thing that always haunts his supporters is the fact he has never won any trophies, No World Cup, No Champions Trophy (one joint with SL), No IPL, No Champions League T20. But as they say, legends don’t need trophies in their name, they will have trophies named after them. Hope one day, the same happens with Dravid.

I would like to end this with a quote on Dravid that I read on Scoopwhoop. Seeing his dedication, it is clear that, “THE WALL NEVER RETIRED, HE IS TURNING INTO A MONUMENT.”