CLASS ACT

Rahul Dravid once again sent a message across to his fans and critics alike - that for a mastermind, IT’S NEVER OVER!!! To see him back in his BEST was so special and to watch him bat like a maestro with the same composure and poise was still more satisfying.

An epitome of commitment, consistency and class, Rahul Dravid is a cut above he rest - a man of sense and simplicity entwined with humility and chasteness. Recalling Brian Lara’s words - “If I’d someone to bat for my life, it would be Rahul” - I would say RD is the best thing to have happened to cricket. He is EXCELLENCE PERSONIFIED - one who has glorified cricket into an art with such diligence and craftsmanship that it has raised him to the pedestal of PLAYER PERFECT. The deftness with which he executes his shots reveals what it takes to wear the crown of exemplariness. As a keen fan of cricket, I have always fancied his cover drives and pull shots for their immaculateness, perfect timing and authenticity of technique. Every time his cherry clears the fence, it’s not just a simple flick, it is an ENGINEERED STROKEPLAY!

A GENIUS is never there to prove a point. RD’s grounded approach on and off the field is what commands respect. You may see a Ganguly jumping up and down before the ‘CHIN MUSIC’ or a Ponting looking clueless before a ‘DOOSRA’ but a flawless batsmanship worth every ball is that of Dravid. It’s purely Indian yet unique!

The entire career of this seasoned cricketer looks spotless - truly, without a blemish. What still wins him accolades is the manner in which he accomplishes his role in a team and accommodates himself, just like the modest team-man he has always been. Very rarely has he been seen sweeping the ball. But in the IPL, Dravid made a bold statement on the field when he experimented with reverse sweeps - sending the ball to the third man boundary. Thus, a disciple of cricket who always goes by his rule book, broke the myth of being an orthodox!

To watch him play is a mere beauty in itself for it narrates a million-dollar tale of a winner - the one who makes things happen. And this tale is the reason enough to get inspired in life.

Given the unparalleled attitude and aura of this charismatic cricketer, he will continue to inspire generations of cricket fans to come. And ten years down the line, I wish to be the one to say, “I was absolutely obsessed with Dravid’s game and that’s why, today I am GAME FOR LIFE!!!”

N.B. : A tribute to Rahul Dravid for his maiden ton at Lord’s. He seemed at his fluent best and carried on from where he had left on 95 in the year 1996.