We fall short of words to describe Rahul Dravid, such is the greatness of the man, who unconditionally stayed as “The Wall” guarding Indian cricket. Dravid has undoubtedly been one of the phenomenal batsmen the longest format of the game has ever seen and over the years, there were several occasions where he made the difference for the side with relative ease.
But what really sets this person apart? What makes these writers go nuts whilst describing him? Why so many rate him as the greatest though there are many who are ahead in terms of numbers? Why respect and awe come in tandem when his name comes up? Here’s an example of Rahul Dravid and his personal life which will really make you understand this man’s simplicity.
Those magnificent drives that flow past his bat giving pure bliss to eyes to the aggression which was clearly visible in his eyes, there was something so special about the Wall which makes him one of those very few personalities across the country with absolutely zero haters.
Let’s take a look at the instances why Rahul Dravid is a pure gentleman:
#1. He makes sure that U-19 support staff is paid equally as he himself took a pay cut as the team coach, a person like him is a gem, very hard to find
#2. A photo of ‘The Wall’ Rahul Dravid, standing in queue during an event has gone viral on social media. According to the picture, it shows the former Indian cricket captain at a science exhibition with his kids. He is a former world-class cricketer but he doesn’t show off.
#3. When Dravid made a cancer fan’s wish come true
#4. Politely refused to accept an Honorary Degree from Bangalore University in 2017
#5. Man of Simplicity travels by public transport in Bengaluru
#6. When Rahul Dravid advised Kevin Pietersen on how to play spin
Kevin Pietersen had struggled to play Bangladeshi spinners in a tour earlier and had asked Rahul’s advice on how to play spin well. In his book ‘KP: The Autobiography’, Kevin Pietersen published a letter that Rahul had written to him, counselling him on how to overcome his defect.
Kevin Pietersen later said “The kindness, generosity and the time he took to write that email and as simple as he made it sound, it was so beneficial to me. It was beneficial for English cricket too as I managed to sort out a deficiency in my technique, which assisted England because it helped me perform a lot better for my country.”
#7. When Dravid’s Selfie with Mohammad Hafeez won hearts across the India-Pakistan border
#8. Gentleman is always respected as well as respectful and attentive towards his followers
#9. Dravid’s involvement in sports other than cricket
Rahul Dravid joined GoSports Foundation with an intent to contribute a bit in nurturing and mentoring the junior Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
#10. Always ready to help and nurture young prospects:
Rahul Dravid has been like a father-figure to the budding prospects. He could have easily chosen high-profile jobs after his retirement but still, he decided to nurture talents. He developed youngsters like Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, Shubham Gill, Ishan Kishan and others.