YoYo,
..Incredible things happen.None personifies this more than Rahul "The Wall" Dravid. As he led India to a victory outside the subcontinent for the first time since '86, within the hustle and bustle of NBA finals and FIFA 2006, one achievement went quietly unnoticed. Rahul Dravid became the fastest player to reach 9000 test runs. Only the Aussie and Indian duo and Lara lie above him. Amongst active players he is 3rd behind Lara and Sachin.
"The Wall" now sounds like an really ridiculous nickname,almost a cruel joke. Back in the late 90's, his spectacular debut at Lords notwithstanding, he was seen as a player capable of breaking down bowlers with his peerless defense, but not more. His strokeplay was admired but no one gave him a chance of being a dominant batsmen,leave alone find a place in the shorter version of the game. Fast forward to 2006 and a different picture appears.
Dravid is a blend of orthodox style and modern mentality.While he preserves his classical batting style he has seamlessly integrated it with the demands of the present day game. Mentally, he stands second to none. But perhaps his greatest virtue is his constant learning which allows him to see his drawbacks and improve on them at all times. A good example is his ability to play the ball with a feather touch and scamper for a single, whereas previously he would crunch a hard drive straight to the fielder.He has found a ally in Greg Chappel. With a beleif in the philosphy that processes will lead to results, he has gradually started leaving his own imprint on the team.
In many ways, he is my idol and a man I would like to emulate. His onfield achievents, (compare him with some of NBA's and NFL's bloated ego's and you will understand), his articulate and thoughtful manner of speaking, combined with his ability to handle pressure gracefully make him very much an Indian Idol.
..Incredible things happen.None personifies this more than Rahul "The Wall" Dravid. As he led India to a victory outside the subcontinent for the first time since '86, within the hustle and bustle of NBA finals and FIFA 2006, one achievement went quietly unnoticed. Rahul Dravid became the fastest player to reach 9000 test runs. Only the Aussie and Indian duo and Lara lie above him. Amongst active players he is 3rd behind Lara and Sachin.
"The Wall" now sounds like an really ridiculous nickname,almost a cruel joke. Back in the late 90's, his spectacular debut at Lords notwithstanding, he was seen as a player capable of breaking down bowlers with his peerless defense, but not more. His strokeplay was admired but no one gave him a chance of being a dominant batsmen,leave alone find a place in the shorter version of the game. Fast forward to 2006 and a different picture appears.
Dravid is a blend of orthodox style and modern mentality.While he preserves his classical batting style he has seamlessly integrated it with the demands of the present day game. Mentally, he stands second to none. But perhaps his greatest virtue is his constant learning which allows him to see his drawbacks and improve on them at all times. A good example is his ability to play the ball with a feather touch and scamper for a single, whereas previously he would crunch a hard drive straight to the fielder.He has found a ally in Greg Chappel. With a beleif in the philosphy that processes will lead to results, he has gradually started leaving his own imprint on the team.
In many ways, he is my idol and a man I would like to emulate. His onfield achievents, (compare him with some of NBA's and NFL's bloated ego's and you will understand), his articulate and thoughtful manner of speaking, combined with his ability to handle pressure gracefully make him very much an Indian Idol.
9 comments:
thats true..he is my Hero...sachin saurav may have hogged the limelight..but down the years...Rahul will be remembered and respected
Manya, Steve Waugh is still the greatest...but Rahul is best among the former and current crop of indian cricketers..However i would like to add that Dravid is not far behind..
Right said Manya, I was also surprised about Tat's transition from Waugh to Rahul. As far as i remember he really wasn't into Rahul D. One question Tat, is it Rahul's current Stat that you are completely awe in, or you really have started admiring his batting style and prowess? Whatever your answer, your transition is a change in your own behaivioural pattern.
I realised Manya's comment were for Sachin Khare, sorry about that. But then Tatke do explain about your metamorphosis.
Dudes-First things first. There is NO TRANSITION. Steve Waugh is still the numero uno modern cricketer in my book. His accomplishments as a player and captain in both forms of the game are exemplarary. Tugga beleived in reaching ends thro'whatever means possible.Dravid ironically is the exact opposite who beleives that ends will take care of itself if you follow the right means/processes. I tend to beleive in the latter simply because the tactics that Steve Waugh uses-Mental Disintegration,sledging,instructing his fielders to throw ball near the batsman on way to the keeper-these are dirty tactics which I can never support. Dravid represents the clean shaven good-boy version of a modern day cricketer. Nastiness,playing dirty is something that I cant deal with. In fact I envy the people who do and not worry @ it.Anyway watch for my next blog on how sports and behavior are related.
PS:I do not understand if there is a change in my behavorial pattern.
Much criticism awaits for the next blog. About your response i could say some of the questions remain unanswered. Good to know you write blogs!
One question Tat, is it Rahul's current Stat that you are completely awe in, or you really have started admiring his batting style and prowess?
Answer: I am not a big fan of stats even though my blog indicates otherwise. I am in awe of Dravids metamorphosis from a Test Match Only 1-Dimensional player to a complete modern day cricketer and leader of the most passionate and unforgiving nation on earth.At the same time never compromising his on field conduct.
As far as behavior patterns go, I have no clue.....
are..ye anonymous kaun hai ?
I am happy that true fans of Dravid are coming out openly nowadays. I have been a Dravid fan right from his first 95 at Lords. At that time I only saw unconditional Sachin followers around me. Even today I hear comments like "Dravid plays too slowly" from them. Dravid has shown umpteen times how he can start slowly and score at a 100+ strike rate eventually. But they don't notice that at all! "Dravid plays too slow" mhane.. My ass!
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