There are certain awards that quite simply humble their winner and the one who earns the rich accolade. But there are also situations where the winner of an award quite simply enriches the award itself (in the first place). Chances are, if you have followed the career and the contributions of a man known as Rahul Dravid, you’d know that his mere presence alongside an award or citation quite simply raises the bar of the achievement itself.

Quite frankly, Dravid’s career is a testimony to not just the dollops of runs - 13,228 Test runs, nearly 11,000 one day runs- that he compiled solidly and with much distinction for his nation. His on field achievements- whether as a batting monk on the 22 yards or as a safe pair of hands commanding the slip cauldron have always- and always - put the interest of the team first and over his own interest.

That’s something that didn’t change from the onset of 1995-1996 June which is when the right hander began his career until March 9, 2012 which is when the great man called time over his checkered journey.  

He was the commander of hopes of a team that relied on his technical virtuosity, the calm guide batting a hard Test match situation and the one who often played the sheet anchor role during a tough run chase holding an end all by himself.

Which is why being awarded the honourable BCCI lifetime achievement award for his services to Indian Cricket actually makes us, Dravid fans just as proud as the humble and earnest carrier of countless Indian hopes in the middle- Dravid himself.

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What a talismanic follower of patience and focus. What a simpleton who never felt tired on the path of pursuing greatness for his team. And ultimately, not just a former Indian cricket captain; but a mentor to countless Indian youth who call the Bangalore man “sir” with pride and endless respect.