Rahul Sharad Dravid's greatness is well established by the sheer weight of runs. But, there are a lot of other qualities which make him a role model for one and all. As he bids farewell with grace, this is a good time to dwell on those little things which made his career a success.
Discipline and Patience: Dravid was not a batsman who could terrorize the bowlers and put them on the defensive. His game was a waiting game, he would wear down the bowler into bowling to the areas where he would be comfortable in and then capitalize. Though, this is a target that most batsmen set for themselves, seldom do many stick to it. In fact, Dravid had refined this target to - staying out there for at least thirty overs, a tall order considering the fact that the initial thirty to fifty balls are the toughest to face for a batsman. This target cannot be achieved if you are not disciplined as a person. Adding to this complexity, is invariably the presence of shot makers as his partners. He shelved the ego, did not play for the crowds and stuck to his game plan.
Hard Work does pay : The faultless technique that he possesses did not come magically, it was through the hours and hours of concerted toil in the nets, days of batting in practice games and other domestic games. He transformed himself from a good player to an excellent player who was a great judge of what percentages a shot offered and play them to the appropriate balls. After establishing himself in the team, it would have been so easy for him to take practice easy, but he kept working hard, made sure he was in the best position to take on the opposition, come the match day. His juniors in the team vouch that they take a lot inspiration from the way he prepares himself for a match. Good for India.
Unselfish Team man: If ever someone could be called a team man, it is Rahul Dravid. He would do everything that he possibly could to ensure the success of the team. There was no better feeling for him than the team doing good. If that meant he had to make sacrifices, he would see them as a challenge and take them up with pride. If playing seven batsmen in the one day matches meant someone had to be keeping wickets, he would do it. If someone had to open in place of the injured regular opener he would do it, even if he was the best performer in the series and had every right to demand protection from the new ball.
Adaptability: In the beginning of his career, he was thought as a misfit in limited overs cricket, but he soon dispelled those whims with consistent shows. In fact, he has played some blinders like the 50 he scored of 22 balls in Hyderabad, or the 90 at Bristol. Arguably the best read Indian cricketer ever, his speech at the Sir Donald Bradman Oration 2011 will always remain etched in memory for its clarity of vision and subtle humor.
Interesting Stats: There is an article on him which validates his efficacy in forging partnerships and providing a telling contribution for the team. This has been posted in Cricinfo and makes for a good read.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/current/story/556766.html
The message that Dravid's career brings across is that- it doesnt matter whether you are the most talented or not, it is what you do to hone the talent and do with it that matters.
