Rahul Dravid, the name explains it all. Popularly known as ‘The Wall Of Indian Cricket’ or ‘Mr. Dependable’ Rahul Dravid has always been a team player and perhaps the best team player India has ever had. If you would have asked him to walk on pieces of glass barefoot for his team, he wouldn’t have said no.
Rahul Dravid is one the greatest players to have played for India and Indian cricket has been fortunate to host such a master who any day had a better batting technique and focus than any other cricketer. Today as Rahul Dravid turns 45 we bring you an account of his best innings from his illustrious career. Rahul Dravid ended his career with 13288 test runs with 36 test centuries and 10889 runs in One Day Internationals.
From keeping the wickets to opening for India in test cricket, he has never shied away from doing anything for his team. This is why he is regarged as being one of the most selfless gentlemen to have played the game. He has personified cricket as being a ‘Gentlemen’s Game’ like no other cricketer.
HERE ARE THE BEST OF RAHUL DRAVID’s KNOCKS
- Rawalpindi Test
Virender Sehwag got out on the very first ball and the series was in danger. Rahul Dravid was not amongst runs in the first two tests but he raised his hand to help his team when others perished. A brilliant knock of 270 from 495 balls exhibited the best of batting concentrations and technique.
Dravid’s knock of 270 broke Pakistan’s morale and Dravid got his team to win by an innings. This was Rahul Dravid’s highest test score and it came when his team needed it the most.
2. Hyderabad One Day (1999)
India was playing New Zealand in Hyderabad and Ganguly went back to the hut in just the second over. Rahul Dravid joined the Little Master at the crease and from there on as these two took over, New Zealand only saw control slipping away.
Rahul Dravid went on to score 153 from 153 balls. While Dravid scored 153 from 153 balls, Sachin and Dravid handed over a 174 run defeat to the visitors.
3. Eden Gardens Test (2001)
India was handed over a follow-on when the entire team was dismissed for 171 in response to Australia’s 445. Dravid walked out to bat when even in the second innings India had collapsed. India was 4 for 232 and Aussies were certain of the win.
Dravid and Laxman together took India past 600 and this century in the need of the hour meant so much to Rahul Dravid and his team. Rahul Dravid went on to score 180 while Laxman got a double hundred. This is one of the best test knocks by Rahul Dravid.
4. Adelaide Test (2003)
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Playing in Australia has always been a challenge for India. The Aussies posted 556 on what looked like a batsman’s paradise. The Aussies unleashed a havoc on India with the ball too as India went to 85-4 from being none for 66.
Dravid with VVS Laxman started the refabrication of Indian innings and the two started to give the Aussies a flashback of the 2001 Eden Garden test. Rahul Dravid went on to score a double ton and decimated the Aussies with a knock of 233. Coutresy Rahul Dravid, India went on to win the match and it was one huge celebration.
5. Tauton One Day (1999)
After S Ramesh was sent back in the very first over, Dravid joined Sourav Ganguly to take on the Sri Lankans. Together the two posted a partnership of 318 for the second wicket. Rahul Dravid played a match winning knock of 145 from 129 balls.
The crowd witnessed some classy cover drives as Dravid’s feet moved swiftly. He also showcased the right technique to pull and this was one of the greatest ODI knocks ever by Mr Dependable.
