“It’s unbelievable, really,” Dravid said as he accepted the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers trophy for Player of the Year
Twenty years ago today, Rahul Dravid was crowned Player of the Year and Test Player of the Year at the inaugural ICC Awards at Alexandra Palace. It was a proud moment for India, made sweeter when left-arm pacer Irfan Pathan won Emerging Player of the Year.
From August 1, 2003, to July 31, 2004, Dravid amassed 1,241 runs in nine tests, averaging an incredible 95.46. His standout performance was a career-best 270 against Pakistan.
Dravid with his double awards // Picture Courtesy – ESPN Cricninfo
"It's unbelievable, really," Dravid said as he accepted the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Player of the Year trophy. The award, named after the legendary West Indian all-rounder, marked a defining moment in Dravid's career. Reflecting on his success, "The Wall" credited better preparation and a calmer state of mind for his extraordinary year.
His humility, even at the height of his achievements, perfectly captured the essence of a player whose dedication to the game was as remarkable as his skill. Dravid remained grounded and always focused on improving.
The right-handed batter embodied elegance, calm, and skill in every stroke. Starting his international journey against Sri Lanka in 1996, he became a cornerstone of Indian cricket. His career spanned 500 matches, including 164 Tests, 344 ODIs, and one T20I.
Over 24,000 runs flowed from his bat, making him a revered figure in world cricket. Dravid's influence stretched beyond stats as he defined an era with grace and determination. His steady and unwavering presence became synonymous with the heart of Indian cricket.
Rahul Dravid has faced 31,258 balls and spent 44,153 minutes at the crease in Test cricket.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 11, 2024
- Most by anyone in history...!!! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/9iO0rqR4pC
The world first glimpsed the brilliance of Dravid, "The Wall," during an unforgettable Test at Lord's against England. Facing relentless bowling, Dravid stood tall, occupying the crease for 267 deliveries.
Yet, despite his iconic performance, the right-hander left the field disappointed, falling just five runs short of his maiden century. This moment began Dravid's journey to becoming India's "Mr. Dependable." Over the years, he would score more than 48 international centuries, cementing his legacy as one of cricket's finest.
Even The Wall has emotions. #RahulDravid Test debut-20 June 1996. ODI debut-3 April 1996. When did u see him showing it #indiawins #T20WC2024 pic.twitter.com/dkMTdZLa5i
— Rahul Shrivastava (@Rahulshrivstv) June 29, 2024
In just 176 innings, Dravid became the second-fastest player in Test cricket history to achieve the 9,000-run mark, behind only Kumar Sangakkara. With three centuries against England and one against the West Indies in August and October of 2002, Dravid is still the only Indian batter to hit hundreds in four straight Test innings.
His excellence extended beyond batting; with 210 catches, Dravid holds the record for the most catches in Test cricket. This combination of resilience, consistency, and skill solidified his legacy as one of the game's finest.
5. Rahul Dravid – 180 vs Australia, Eden Gardens, 2001 pic.twitter.com/0Y0x9ylRRt
— Raghu (@IndiaTales7) December 1, 2022
'The Wall' bid farewell to international cricket in March 2012 but never left the sport. His journey continued as he took on various roles, including head coach of the Indian cricket team. Under his guidance, India lifted the 2024 T20 World Cup. Dravid also mentored junior teams like India U-19 and India A, nurturing the future stars of Indian cricket.
As head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), his influence grew even more vital. Dravid's coaching career began in 2014 with Rajasthan Royals, and he later mentored Delhi Daredevils in the IPL. In 2018, under his leadership, India claimed the U-19 World Cup. His dedication to Indian cricket remains unmatched, earning him immense respect and admiration.
