Legendary Indian batsman Rahul Dravid was inducted to the ICC hall of fame yesterday. He shared the honours with the Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting and England”s Claire Taylor.
Dravid represented India in 164 tests and created an impact in the longest format of the game. Fondly called “The Wall” by his fans, he won the hearts of the fans with his defence which is considered to be the only weapon to exhibit the brilliance in the test cricket. He is only the fourth highest run-getter behind Sachin, Ponting and Kallis.
Dravid is only the fifth Indian player to get this honour. Bishan Singh Bedi, Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar are the others who made it in the past.
Speaking on the same, Dravid said “It”s a great honour and privilege to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. I’m thankful to the ICC for giving me this honour. It’s a privilege to be in a group of people I have looked up to and I have admired as a young man growing up in my journey as a cricketer. I love to be able to thank so many people who have made it possible for me to have a career in this sport and to fulfil my dreams. My parents, my young family, my wife and two kids, my so many friends, colleagues that I have played with and played against who have enriched my game, my many coaches right from the time I was a boy in school and the coaches that I have played for India have really helped me develop my potential. I would not be here if not for the support and love that they have given me and I’m truly thankful and grateful for it.” ( He said the above message through a video as he is currently guiding the India A team in the triseries).
Dravid is now the coach of India Under 19 and the “A” teams. His guidance helped the team to clinch the Under 19 World Cup earlier this year. This effort from him made BCCI to recommend his name for the Dronacharya award.
His team India A will face England Lions in the final of the triseries today. It is expected to be nothing short of an intense thriller as both the teams are equally poised in all the departments.
Although coaching commitments mean Rahul couldn't be here tonight, he has sent this brief message from India as he takes his place among cricket's all-time greats #ICCHallofFame pic.twitter.com/uRSHHurKIc
— ICC (@ICC) July 1, 2018
