Grit leads to Guts and guts and Guts lead to glory-It was none other than Rahul Dravid who helped me realize this. I first saw him bat in 1996 during Lord’s Test. That was the first time I did not wish India lose its second wicket quickly. I have to thank my then house owner’s son who had amazing faith in Rahul Dravid and made me look at his batting minutely.
On his debut, batting at number six He scored a wonderful 95 and batted with the tail. It was teary even for me (mind you I hated him).Rahul Dravid improvised every time he came out to bat there and followed up with an 84 at Nottingham in the very next test match. He did not rant that the prince hogged all the limelight for scoring three consecutive hundreds unlike the so-called modern magicians of today’s game.
From day one he never suited for ODI format but to my utter surprise (Later, it became a habit) he proved me wrong. It was Independence cup India chasing 300 odd runs against archrivals Pakistan in Chennai in a tournament, which was called “INDEPENDENCE CUP”. Saeed Anwar had scored a breath taking 194 and when everything looked lost with our “Independence snatched or should I say Stabbed”, it was Soldier Rahul’s brilliant 117, which saved the grace of the nation.
The 1999 World cup was probably one of the best moments of his career. He batted with supreme finesse and turned the odds in favour of India. His century against Sri Lanka at Taunton ensured the defending champions a sour dose of what they gave in 1996 WC Semifinal. I am sure players saw this video footage for the much-needed inspiration to defeat the lions to lift the coveted title.
It was test series against the mighty invincible Australians lead by Steve Waugh‘s tactics. It was by far the best bowling attack comprising of Mcgrath & Co.India were done and everybody (including me) wrote off Rahul. Down with fever, batting at number 6 the man delivered by far the best second fiddle innings and cored 153. Rahul raising his bat that day still gives me gooseflesh.
My intuition says Rahul was a freedom fighter and it was that in him which brings out the best against England. The cherry was seaming all around. Caddick , Hoggard and Anderson were at their fierce best . It took Rahul’s hundred and India manage to take a mammoth lead riding on Rahul’s 153.Please pardon me for not remembering his heroics against NZ.
We all know Rahul was selfless. He kept wickets and gave the much-needed balance, which ensured a final spot in the 2003 World Cup. He was almost an opener as we never had great test openers’ .Every time this immortal came out to bat be it at the Rawalpindi 270 or the Adelaide double hundred or his penultimate series against England he showed what being resolute is all about. My hatred towards him had turned into envy. My cricketing mind always resounded with a HOW HOW HOW every time.
Rahul was a great human being and that the same translated in his game too. He was the messiah of the “Spirit of Cricket”. Great Orator. His middle name is dignity. He defines what etiquette and being well mannered is all about. I apologize to the score of cricket fans, If Rahul does not have his share of pie then it is mostly because of people like me.
He who proved leaving the ball is the best shot to play ; He who showed the character when the chips were down ;He who showed silence is the most dignified way to humble critics; He who proved Form is temporary class is permanent(clichéd');He who knew to fight against all odds and emerged as equals among greats and forced to question the greatness of the other legends of the game- A toast to a phenomenon of poetry in batting called "RD"
Every time I argue with cricket connoisseurs as to who is the best batsman Rahul Dravid has given me a lots to ponder and the mind within me goes to towards him unlike my heart.
There is a Rahul Dravid in every human being. It is only Practice and perseverance that will help to embrace you. Take a leaf out of this great soul and wake up for a better tomorrow.
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