Watching "the wall" of Indian Cricket speak after his retirement was enchanting. A mixture of emotions in his voice and body language. A bit of sadness, lot of pride, satisfaction, courage and commitment. It was a lesson in aesthetics, of how one should carry oneself in public. He was a model of modesty and humility.
He is someone who epitomised putting nation before self. He was a man who was involved in 2 three hundred plus partnerships and a day long partnership in tests, but at all occasions was overshadowed by his partner at the other end. Yet, he continued doing his best for the nation.
He is the single most under-rated, under-appreciated cricketer of his times. If consistency is the measure od greatness, then he is the greatest of his times. If its easy to be good at home, then again he is the greatest of his times. If number 3 is the most difficult position to bat in cricket then he is the greatest of his times.
He did any and everything for the TEAM. When the team required him to open in the most hostile batting conditions against the swinging ball in England, he did just that. When the team required him to keep wickets during the world cup, he kept wickets. If it helped the team, Dravid would do it. And for all this he never took the centrestage.
He was a wall of sincerity, humbleness, modesty and fair-play. He was from the generation of true gentlemen. The next generation could have a no better role model to teach them that success doesn't come easy. One has to toil day in and day out, burn midnight oil to achieve such success. One has to remain focussed on the right path and not deviate from it and submit to mediocrity.
There is something that each of us can learn from him. Giving the best to the jobs that we do everyday and be humble about it. There was a great line that he said "For me every player who went out there and gave his best, was great." Then you know who is the greatest of them all. Giving his best for 15 long years.
"He (Dravid) is a perfect role model for youngsters. He has set a great example for all of us to follow. We are all trying to follow that path."~ Sachin R Tendulkar
"He is someone who epitomised putting nation before self" - I hate idiots like you who equate playing cricket to some kind of patriotism
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