Rahul Dravid's Cricket Career
13288 Test runs, an average of over 52, 36 Test
tons, 63 half centuries, 210 Test catches, 10889 ODI runs. Can Rahul Dravid’s
career for India be
summed up in figures?
Dravid retired as not only India’s but
the world’s second highest run scorer in Tests (since taken over by Ricky
Ponting). India however
lost much more than a legendary batsman.
He was the man that stood tall amongst the ruins whenever a green top
confronted India’s famed
batting line-up. One of the rare cricketers whose away record was better than
his statistics at home (and he was no pushover in Indian conditions), Dravid’s
penchant for putting his hand up to be counted in difficult circumstances is
now the stuff of folklore.
From makeshift wicketkeeper to emergency opener, Dravid was always ready to
step in for the team cause. Often overshadowed by his more flamboyant teammates
during his playing days, Dravid’s true value has been realised since his
retirement by both the game’s fans and the cricket community alike.
More than the runs he scored or the matches he won, Dravid will be remembered
for the way he played the sport. He showed that cricket can still be a
gentleman’s game, and earned the respect of both his peers and opponents. When
Rahul Dravid announced his retirement in March, Indian cricket lost one of
their best players but without doubt their best man.
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