A Dravid memoir from a man who’s idolized Tendulkar

Hope is an underrated emotion. Just like Dravid’s been an underrated cricketer; at least by the spectators at large. He was always the guy who came before Tendulkar in tests and immediately after him; in ODIs. It wasn’t a pleasant feeling to watch him come out to bat in ODIs; especially if Tendulkar had fallen early.

But he always inspired hope. And that’s the big deal.

I think one of my most telling memories of Dravid are some of the most unlikely ones. Of him hitting 3 consecutive sixes in a T20 against England. His gutsy fightback in a losing cause chasing 300 against South Africa; in the 90’s. And in the 2007 World Cup…

In 2007; we played a must-win game against Sri Lanka to stay alive in the tournament. Chasing 250 odd; we were over and done with within the first 20 overs. But one man put up a lone fight. Rahul Dravid’s 60 that day was not one of desperation; it was one of pride; the desire to keep India’s pride alive.

To him; it’s always been about withholding the pride that comes with wearing the Indian cap. Others share the same pride too; but not with the same dignity and poise that Dravid does.

It’s why he probably never questioned the decision to field him as a wicketkeeper. Or to make him bat anywhere between No.1 and No.7. Or to blood him into a T20 side after never having played even ODIs for India for two years. To a Dravid; a nation’s pride came ahead of such menial matters. And it showed; every time he walked out to bat.

He was always the man who invariably played second fiddle to batsmen when they were constructing their best innings. Here is the proof of that:

· 1999 World Cup – Against England – Ganguly played what was arguably his best ODI innings scoring 183. The man at the other end was Dravid who; with 145 runs to his credit struck a 318 run partnership with Ganguly

· 1999 – Against New Zealand – The day Tendulkar hit his 186; Dravid was at the other end making 140 odd. He shared a 331 run partnership with Tendulkar.

· 2001 – Eden Gardens. The famous 180 to supplement Laxman’s career defining 281.

He’s been a part of the two highest ODI partnerships ever and the best comeback in test cricket; ever. He’s; as most people say it; been the apt 2^nd fiddle. The question to ask; though; is whether those great innings would’ve been constructed without him on the other side. All the 3 have categorically said that it would’ve been improbable without him.

To his teammates; he was a wall; whether he was facing a ball or not. And that’s something Indian cricket may miss more than we can envision right now.

For a guy who idolizes Tendulkar; Dravid was the one player who was about hope. No one else; not even Tendulkar espoused. Tendulkar is about talent; talent that on most days; can win us matches.

Dravid was the guy who we looked upto on the days that Tendulkar didn’t.

And he seldom disappointed.

For a conservative middle class Indian; Dravid is what success should always look like. Hard earned; humble; disciplined; uncompromising.

For once; Sidhu said something that made absolute sense; “Some players succeed because they are destined; Dravid succeeded because he was determined to”

For the grittiest Indian batsman to have played in the years that I followed the game; there’s just one thing to say. Exactly what he said when he left.

“SAD; BUT PROUD”….