Rahul Dravid. The name itself is an institution when it comes to Indian cricket. The Wall, Mr Dependable and our man in need, he was the one who put his hand up when needed for the side. Yes, for 16 years he has been the silent saviour and despite playing in Sachin Tendulkar's shadow for his entire career, he has still left a legacy to be proud of.
Truly the man would and could do whatever he was asked to. Ask him to drop down to 6 or 7, sure why not? Make him open the innings? Of course, most certainly. Then there is the question of wicket-keeping. Dravid donned the gloves and was a regular keeper for a long period of time and it did not affect his batting in any way.?
Oh but that's not all. When asked to turn his arm over he did not have an issue bowling. In fact he once got the prize scalp of Saeed Anwar to deny him a hundred in an ODI. While he is more of a defensive player, the man has played attacking knocks when needed. Ask New Zealand in 2003, they will recall his 22-ball fifty that smashed them to oblivion.?
When required he can play the long innings, maintain a vigil to guide the team out of troubled waters. At times as wickets tumble around him he is the last man standing. Who can forget his epic Lord's century back in 2011??
If the situation required him to take charge he would take it. Or else he would watch from the sidelines and play a support role. Not to mention him being a good coach and mentor off the field too. No wonder he has the responsibility of choosing future talent.?
That's Dravid for you, the ultimate team man. He put the team first and perhaps is the most unselfish player India has produced, if such a thing can be said. ???