Rahul Dravid is one of the greatest cricketers that the game has seen. If not for legends such as Sachin Tendulkar in his era, Rahul Dravid would have been rated more than he is now. In his illustrious career, Dravid has scored more than 10000 runs in both Tests and ODIs while he also featured in T20I cricket. Popularly known as “The Wall”, Dravid took to coaching after his retirement. He currently is the Head Coach of Team India. In this article, we take a look at the five biggest records held by Rahul Dravid in his playing career.
1) The highest number of balls faced in Test cricket – 31258
Rahul Dravid holds the record for facing the most number of deliveries in Test cricket. He did it against the best of bowlers in almost every condition. This is the hallmark of one of the greatest Test cricketers of the game.
Dravid mostly batted at No.3 and it was a part of his job that he had to stabilize and control the batting innings. He did that often and many times, even frustrated the bowlers due to his grit and determination.
2) Most catches in Test cricket – 210
Having taken the most number of catches in Test cricket is one of the biggest records held by Rahul Dravid in his playing career. He has taken 210 catches, and this feat is the highest by any non-wicket-keeper.
In Tests, there is a necessity to have an immense amount of concentration to pull off the catches. Especially in the slips, where Rahul mostly stood, an edge could be coming at any time in the day. For the bowlers, too, the slip-catchers have to be at their best. Mahela Jayawardene took 205 catches and stands at No.2 on the list.
3) Most consecutive ODI innings without scoring a duck – 120
Rahul Dravid was a stunning Test cricketer but he also made a mark in ODI cricket. He excelled in playing the anchor role and performed consistently. In fact, Dravid holds the record for playing 120 innings without securing a duck.
A duck is a common occurrence for any cricketer. To avoid it for so long is an exceptional achievement. Hence, this is one of the biggest records held by Rahul Dravid.
4) Most minutes spent at the crease in Test cricket – 44,152 minutes
Rahul Dravid has roughly batted for around 44,152 minutes in Tests. This translates to 735 hours and 52 minutes. It is the highest by any player to have been part of the format.
It takes immense focus and resolution to execute such a feat. Rahul Dravid is a synonym for playing long hours on the field, and the records also prove the same. In the T20 era, it is almost an impossible achievement for the cricketers.
5) Oldest player to debut for India in T20I – 38 years and 232 days old
Rahul Dravid is the oldest T20I debutante for Team India. On 31st August 2011, Dravid made his debut for India in T20 cricket against England. It was also his only game in the format. Batting at No.3, Dravid scored 31 runs from 21 balls, including three sixes.
Until then, Dravid had not played T20I cricket for India. He was also the oldest T20I debutante amongst Test-playing nations at that time. It is a record that is almost impossible for anyone to breach. In an era where the management invests a lot in youth, a player above 35 will get very little chance to make his debut.
