Full Name: Rahul Sharad Dravid

Born: January 11, 1973, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India

Role: Right-handed Batsman

Rahul Dravid, often referred to as “The Wall” for his solid and dependable batting technique, is one of India’s greatest cricketers. He was born into a Marathi family in Indore but grew up in Bangalore, Karnataka. Dravid was a pivotal figure in the Indian cricket team during his playing days, known for his resilience, consistency, and exemplary sportsmanship.

Rahul Dravid was introduced to cricket by his father Sharad Dravid, a former cricketer. Dravid began his domestic career representing Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy in 1991. He quickly rose through the ranks with his impressive batting performances, earning him a spot in the national team.

Dravid made his Test debut for India against England at Lord’s in 1996. In the same series, he made his ODI debut. His Test debut was memorable, scoring 95 runs in the second innings, narrowly missing out on a century in his maiden appearance. Dravid’s solid technique and ability to anchor the innings made him a mainstay in the Indian batting lineup for years to come.

– Test Cricket: Dravid scored over 13,000 runs in Test cricket, including 36 centuries, making him one of the highest run-scorers in the format. He played crucial roles in India’s Test victories both at home and abroad.

– One-Day Internationals (ODIs): In ODIs, Dravid scored more than 10,000 runs, including 12 centuries. He was a versatile player, excelling in different batting positions as required by the team.

– Captaincy: Dravid had successful stints as the captain of the Indian cricket team. Under his captaincy, India won Test series in England and the West Indies, showcasing his leadership skills.

– The Fab Four: Dravid was part of the famous “Fab Four” of Indian cricket, which also included Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and VVS Laxman. Together, they formed the backbone of the Indian batting lineup for many years.

Dravid was known for his selflessness, often playing the role of a team player and supporting his teammates. He was a reliable wicketkeeper-batsman in ODIs, providing balance to the team. His sportsmanship and fair play on and off the field earned him immense respect from fans, opponents, and cricket pundits.

After retiring from international cricket in 2012, Dravid continued to be associated with the sport. He served as the coach of the India Under-19 cricket team, guiding them to victory in the 2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. He has also worked in various administrative roles, including serving as the Director of Cricket Operations at the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.

Dravid is married to Vijeta Pendharkar, a surgeon. The couple has two children.

Rahul Dravid’s legacy in Indian cricket is not just about the runs he scored or the matches he won; it’s about the values he represented and the inspiration he provided to aspiring cricketers. He remains a symbol of dedication, resilience, and class in the world of cricket.