Selfless Cricketer, Great Batsman And Brilliant Coach - Things That Make Rahul Dravid Truly 'The Wall'

Between 1996 to 2008, India were blessed to have three of the best batsmen in the world playing together. Sachin Tendulkar would go on to shatter every record possible, Sourav Ganguly built a reputation of being a skipper who led by example and Rahul Dravid proved to be the man who dug the team out of trouble.

Yes everyone, if you need an innings to save your life, a mind to toughen it out in the worst of conditions on the field, then Rahul Dravid is the man for you.

He has been called many names but the ones that stand out are Mr Dependable and The Wall. Make no mistake his wicket has to be earned by the bowlers by giving a little extra and that has set him a class apart from other batsmen.

But there is more to the man than his exceptional batting record. It's time we saw just why Dravid is 'The Wall' of Indian cricket:

1. Gutsy batsman

AFP

Even in the face of hostile bowling, the man never shys away from a contest. His duels with the likes of Allan Donald and Shoaib Akhtar are legendary.

2. Ready to take one for the team

AFP

Be it taking up the role of wicketkeeper or sliding down to number six so that VVS Laxman could come in at three, he has never objected to flexibility in the team's interests.

3. Willing to accept responsibility

AFP

He was handed the captaincy when Sourav Ganguly was sacked. He stepped down from it on his own accord after the series against England in 2007.

4. Backing down at the right time

AFP

After a disastrous series Down Under, he had the magnamity to admit his time was up. Dravid announced his retirement and said he had no regrets.

5. Always on the lookout for fresh talent

BCCI

When he was captain of Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, Dravid looked to get more Indian youngsters in so that he could scout the pool of talent the country had. It was a great move by the veteran.

6. Great coach and mentor for youngsters

AFP

As he was given the reins of being the India A and Under-19 coach he became a mentor to the young men in the dressing rooms. They learnt a lot from him and even now Dravid is still serving Indian cricket from behind the scenes.

7. Humble to the core

AFP

Humility is a virtue especially when you are expected not to show it. But no arrogance from this man. From the way he speaks one would never assume that Dravid was such a great player, he always speaks of others in a much bigger light.