(AFP Photo)
Sunil Gavaskar, revered as one of cricket’s legends, believes Rahul Dravid, a stalwart in Indian cricket, should be recognized with the prestigious Bharat Ratna award. Dravid, aged 51, boasts an illustrious career spanning 164 Tests, 344 ODIs, and 1 T20I for India, and recently concluded a successful stint as India’s head coach from November 2021 to June 2024. His coaching tenure culminated in India clinching the T20 World Cup after an 11-year drought, highlighting his impact on the team’s success.
In a column for Mid-day, Gavaskar expressed admiration for Dravid’s enduring contribution to Indian cricket over the past three decades, both as a player and a coach of India’s U-19 and senior men’s teams. Gavaskar’s sentiments underscore Dravid’s worthiness for India’s highest civilian honor.
“It would be apt if the Government of India honours him with the Bharat Ratna, for that’s what he has truly been. Great player and captain of the country with famous away series wins in the West Indies when wins there really meant something and also win in England being only among the three Indian captains to have won a Test match series there, a wonderful talent groomer in his earlier role of the chairman of the National Cricket Academy and then as coach of the senior team.”
“Dravid’s achievements have given joy across all party lines and across caste, creed, communities and brought untold happiness to the whole country. Surely, that deserves the highest accolade the country can give. C’mon, everybody, please join me in asking the government to recognise one of the greatest sons of India. Bharat Ratna, Rahul Sharad Dravid. Sounds terrific, doesn’t it?” he added.
Taking charge as India’s captain in 2005, Rahul Dravid guided the team to significant victories, notably securing Test series triumphs in the West Indies in 2006 and in England during the summer of 2007. His leadership was marked by a commitment to excellence and strategic prowess on the field.
Dravid concluded his illustrious international career in 2012, amassing 13,288 runs in Test cricket, placing him second among Indians in this format. Additionally, in the 50-over format, Dravid accumulated 10,889 runs, showcasing his versatility and enduring impact across all formats of the game.
