Thank you Dravid, Rohit, Virat!!

As the dust settles on India's historic T20 World Cup victory, a poignant moment emerges. Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, three stalwarts of Indian cricket, will no longer grace the T20 dressing room. Their departure marks the end of an era, but their contributions to Indian cricket will be remembered forever. Each of them has played a pivotal role in shaping the team's success, and their legacy will inspire future generations.

Rahul Dravid: The Steadfast Warrior

Rahul Dravid, the "Wall" of Indian cricket, thoroughly deserves this victory. Making his international debut in 1996, Dravid's career has been a testament to perseverance, determination, and unwavering dedication. For almost 28 years, he has epitomized the spirit of cricket with his never-say-die attitude and countless sacrifices. His journey to lifting a World Cup trophy has been long and arduous, but his moment of glory has finally arrived.

Dravid's influence as a coach has been profound. His emphasis on discipline, technique, and mental fortitude has molded the team into a cohesive unit capable of overcoming any challenge. Under his guidance, the Indian team has flourished, blending youthful exuberance with seasoned expertise. Dravid's calm demeanor and strategic acumen have been instrumental in navigating the team through the highs and lows of international cricket.

Rohit Sharma: The Master Strategist

Rohit Sharma's captaincy has been nothing short of exemplary. Known for his astute leadership and ability to change the game's complexion single-handedly with his bat, Sharma has been a cornerstone of India's T20 success. His knack for making crucial decisions under pressure and his strategic brilliance have often turned the tide in India's favor. Just ask Mitchell Starc, who has witnessed Sharma's batting prowess firsthand.

As a batsman, Sharma's record speaks for itself. His ability to score big runs in crucial matches has been invaluable. Whether it's his sublime stroke play or his knack for finding gaps, Sharma has consistently delivered when it mattered the most. His leadership has instilled a sense of belief and confidence in the team, making them a formidable force in world cricket.

Virat Kohli: The Prodigious Performer

Virat Kohli has been the epitome of consistency and brilliance in T20 World Cups. Known for his aggressive batting style and unmatched passion, Kohli has been a driving force behind India's success. Although he started this World Cup campaign slowly, he saved his best for the big day, stepping up when it mattered the most.

Kohli's performances in crunch situations have often been the difference between victory and defeat. His ability to chase down targets and his hunger for runs have made him one of the most feared batsmen in the world. In this World Cup, he once again proved his mettle, showcasing his class and determination on the grandest stage.

The Journey to Glory

For Dravid, Sharma, and Kohli, the journey to lifting the T20 World Cup trophy has been filled with trials and tribulations. They have been second-best on multiple occasions, particularly through 2023, enduring heartbreaks and near misses. However, their unwavering ambition and relentless pursuit of excellence have finally borne fruit.

This victory is not just a testament to their cricketing prowess but also a reflection of their character. It proves that hard work, perseverance, and dedication eventually pay off. Their triumph is a reminder that divine justice prevails, and that extraordinary moments are written by forces beyond human comprehension.

Parting Thoughts

As these legends bid farewell to the T20 format, they leave behind a legacy that transcends cricket. Their conduct, both on and off the field, has been exemplary. They have not only excelled in matches but have also shown grace in victory and humility in defeat. Their contributions extend beyond this tournament, encompassing multiple formats and numerous unforgettable moments.

To Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, thank you for your impactful and legendary T20 careers. Your contributions have been immense, and your presence will be missed. May you continue to grow from strength to strength in whatever you do. Jai Ho!

Champions Forever

To Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, you are richly deserved champions. Your journey has been a testament to resilience, dedication, and excellence. You have given Indian cricket fans countless moments of joy and pride. As you step away from the T20 format, know that you will forever remain champions in our hearts.

This victory is not just about lifting a trophy; it's about celebrating the spirit of cricket and the legacy of three extraordinary individuals. Thank you for the memories, the inspiration, and the indelible mark you have left on Indian cricket. Your contributions will continue to inspire and guide the future generations of cricketers.

In conclusion, while the Indian T20 team will move forward without Dravid, Sharma, and Kohli, their legacy will forever be a part of its fabric. Their journey has been remarkable, and their triumph is a fitting end to an illustrious chapter in Indian cricket. As they embark on new journeys, the cricketing world salutes these legends and wishes them success in all their future endeavors.
Jai Ho!

Happy Birthday, Nice Guy!!

"If you can’t get along with Rahul Dravid, you’re struggling in life." - Brett Lee.

It is one thing to be a nice guy while not doing (achieving) much else in life.
As one of the Siddhuisms goes, "he is a humble person, but he has a lot to be humble about"!

Well, let's just say, Rahul Sharad Dravid is certainly a man who wears his legendary status very well.
All his accomplishments have only made him even more humble, even more endearing, and he remains a gentleman to the core.

There are many people who excel in their chosen field. Many become legends too.
Yet, it's only a handful who go on to cap their achievements with the sort of conduct that transcends them from being "excellent" to being an "idol".

A complete team man, and unflinchingly selfless, here was a guy who did all he could, sacrificing his personal comfort/preferences happily, even almost unnoticeably (if given a choice).

Team struggling on overseas conditions.
No one else ready/capable/willing to open the batting.
Need an opener?
There he was. For his team, for his country, selflessly.

Team needs to play an extra batsman in its XI? (Yeah, the pre-Dhoni era).
Sure captain, will also keep wickets, to have the extra man included in lieu of the 'keeper.

Need someone to hold one end up, winning the battle of attrition against hostile bowlers?
Sure captain, will do.

One can find batsmen at a dime a dozen, when it comes to plundering bowlers on flat tracks.
But when all others in the team are struggling to even survive, it takes the class of a Rahul Dravid to flourish and excel, consistently, time and time again, the world over.
It always needs skill as well as big match temperament to dominate Australia in Australia.
England in England.
South Africa in South Africa.
New Zealand in New Zealand.
Without any chest-beating bravado, without fuming any expletives.
By just plundering oppositions (with his bat), while still remaining a gentleman.

If our demigod - Sachin Tendulkar was the Ram of Indian cricket, I dare say Rahul Dravid was the quintessential Hanuman - the quiet, unassuming hero in his own right, happy to scale superhuman landmarks, yet stay rooted, grounded, quiet and behind-the-scenes out of his own volition.

Time and time again.
To borrow a Shastri'ism this time, cometh the hour, cometh the man!

They say, the true mirror of a man's character is how he conducts himself when he is at the peak of his powers.
Even when he had all the bowlers in the world at his mercy, you would never find Dravid behave in any way that would be unbecoming of an idol.
He always accorded due respect to all, even when it could have seemed convenient for him to dismiss some of his lesser equals.

Even after retiring from the game, he continue to do his bit in giving back to the game, coaching the  India Under-19 side, and spotting as well as honing upcoming/promising young cricketers.

The kind of person you appreciate not only for his abilities, but also for his deportment, both on and off the field.
The kind of person you can readily and unhesitatingly showcase to your children to emulate, as a role model.

To such a gem called Rahul Dravid, wish you many happy returns of the day!!

The Great 'Wall' of India

'People like Gundappa Viswanath and Sudhakar Rao continued to play even after retirement. I have played with them (in his initial years) and it was a huge thrill for me to play against them.'

This quote, from the one and only Rahul Dravid, made me marvel at the character of the Wall, once again.

A few months ago, Dravid retired from international cricket.
A few weeks ago, Dravid turned up for his domestic club - yes, even after his retirement from international cricket, and scored a century.

The takeaway news here, is obviously not his century, but the fact that he felt committed enough, to voluntarily give something back to the game.

Yes, to the game that he has loved and lived pretty much all his life, till date.
To the game that's made him what he is, today.

Yet, how often do you see successful stalwarts, who have walked out of the spotlight, come back selflessly, to lend a helping hand for others?
To be a source of inspiration not just through their achievements, but also by their conduct?

There are only some who go on to become stars from amongst the also-rans and the mere mortals.
Even lesser than them are those who become superstars.
And then, there are the select few(er) from among the already few superstars, who become role models.
As I have written earlier too, Rahul Sharad Dravid is one who belongs to that elusive, last category.

So this post will not dwell too much on the talent (which is too evident to negate through the numbers he's stacked up since 1996).
This post is about acknowledging and lauding what a super-successful sports star is doing, to leave the game richer.
All of us know that if ever there is one word that defines him most appropriately, it is selfless. A team-man to the core, RD has done his bit for the team on numerous occasions on the field.
What is worth noticing, is that he his still keen to play, share his experiences and knowledge on the both off and on the field. Even now, after he has retired and need not play, he still turns up for his club in a domestic tournament.
He is still keen to sweat (as profusely as he always has), just so that he can give something back to the game - the same thrill, the same joy, the same lessons - that he learnt, while watching his idols and being starry-eyed and just plain happy about playing, thanks to their presence.

Once again, in the latest news that I read about him, Dravid has, characteristically, also tried to give his two cents in ensuring that the future of Indian cricket is not only in the right hands, but also with the right mind and temperament.

I don't care even if this sounds like a paean to Dravid but with gestures such as these, I like him all the more:
For not simply putting his feet up after an illustrious career and dismissing the new generation with contempt.

• For being a role model thanks to his impeccable and exemplary conduct.
  
• For caring enough for the new generation to teach, guide, and mentor them, with his readiness and voluntary, selfless presence on the field with them.
  
• For being a wise counsel to the next crop of cricketers to also place the value of toil, patience, and perseverance (Test cricket) over and above a world offering dollops of easy cash, glamor, and a laid-out lifestyle.
  
• For teaching that cricket is great(er) even if every ball is not a Citi Moment of Success or a DLF Maximum. For exemplifying that a ball left well can also be a moment of quiet victory for a batsman in a battle of attrition against the bowler.
  
• Most importantly, for stressing on and inspiring the new crop with the fact that playing in whites for your country at a fraction of the T20 amount, can still give the ultimate joy, pride, and satisfaction.

No praise is too high for this true champion.

I started this post with a Dravid quote, so it might be only appropriate to end with another one, that sums up what this ever-sensible character has to share for budding cricketers:

'What I'll like to tell young kids is that the greatest satisfaction you are going to get is by playing Test cricket and playing in some of these great stadiums of the world. That will give you the greatest personal satisfaction, so don't sell yourself short. Try and achieve. It is possible. It can be done.'

The Good Guy Who Finished First

As anyone who has read even a few posts on this blog might guess, cricket has been my passion ever since childhood. As I dabbled into the sport, I remember my first heroes (or superheroes, considering the stature they commanded and the persona they exuded) were Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar.
And then, ofcourse, as any Indian/cricket-loving fan would testify, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar happened to us.

Apart from these living legends too, the Indian cricket fan got many more heroes and sporting icons. However, I cannot recall any who come as gentlemanly yet competitive, and as proven-superhero-material yet still so understated and unassuming, as Rahul Sharad Dravid.

All other 'legends' and 'superheroes' of Indian cricket have somehow always had a larger-than-life aura about them. A Kapil or Gavaskar were the original holy cows, while a Sachin has always had a universal and timeless appeal to him.

However, as Harsha Bhogle points out so succinctly in his tribute, it is Dravid who has taught us to place grit, determination, and selfless effort over and above everything else, for the sake of the team.

From keeping wickets only for the sake of a better team composition, or opening the innings in the toughest of terrains, Dravid did it all.
With elan, and without complaints.
With genuine care for the team, and without any show-shaa, hoo-haa about his 'sacrifices'.
Time and time again.

Without even the slightest effort or desire to seek or share glory for some of the most epic efforts he has produced. And mind you, there are some truly sublime specials in his 16-year career.

People often mistake dignified, understated conduct for meekness or lack of aggression. However, as even the most competitive cricketers of his time have vouched, there was always a steely, unyielding resolve behind the boyish looks within that helmet.

As with most of his gentlemanly efforts, he has done a good job of knowing when to 'leave'. As he calls curtains on his glorious career, we can only stand up and doff our hat to a true champion.
Thankyou Rahul, for all the memories.

Thankyou for teaching and proving to us that selflessness is still alive in this competitive, come-look-at-me world, and for persevering with it even when it did not seem to be the 'in' thing to do.

Most importantly, thankyou for showing and proving to us that even the most competitive and 'aggressive' guys can be impeccable enough in their conduct to be shown to the next generation(s) as role models.

Thankyou Rahul, for teaching and proving to us that good guys can also finish first.
Fare thee well!