Why I am Dravid, why I like Dravid

             "Nobody remember the one who comes  second"

When I was watching the movie "3 idiots" I never knew these words will strike me when Rahul Dravid is set to retire. Being one of the greatest fan of Rahul(from an environment where people loves Sachin,dhoni,yuvaraj and ganguly) I was always proud, and will be forever, speaking about Rahul and his "Art of defense".Today, I am in a situation where I have the right to speak for him, just like many of his fans..and say- "Do not treat him like a supporting actor in a movie where all credits goes to the hero..HE IS A TRUE HERO AND INSPIRATION to many people like me.You may also find Dravid in you as well.

                   Not sure when did I start enjoying his game. Was not able to understand why my friends called me "Dravid" when I played cricket during my childhood. I was sad during those days-to be called as Dravid at a time when people praised Sachin and some other hard hitters. But as time progressed I felt comfortable being called as "Dravid".People spoke about the epic battle he made along VVS at kolkata beating the mighty Australia. I felt like I was in heaven when one of my senior friends told- "Dravid does know how to play after-all". You people(fans and experts) may not feel good for this comment, but for me, coming from a rural place in deep south, it was like a recognition, for what they used to call me during those days. That was the beginning point of my admiration(no proper words fit here) towards Dravid.

                  Slowly and steadily(like Dravid's most innings) I reached a comfort zone within years. My respect to him increased when he gloved for the sake of the team. Even in those days I was the solo member in Dravid's fan club. People talked about the tons of little master and his records. Never heard much about him since newspaper and television were the the only sources of information and what I heard the most was- "Sachin --as the definition as Team India ".I was (and I am) not against the master. People never talked about Dravid and his abilities after his heroics are applauded for a day or two. What could a fourteen year old boy think-"Sachin is everything-The only person to be worshiped". But I used to note the scoreboard and was happy whenever some not-outs and fifties were added to Rahul.

                  Time progressed and  when I learned what is dedication,team spirit,hard work,skill,temperament, character and so on, I became more close to Rahul. Was greatly impressed by the way india started revival under Rahul's captaincy when ganguly went down as captain. I was able to boast with the 23 ball fifty that Rahul made, to support myself when people said he is slow in scoring. He amassed cricket fans through some spectacular captaincy records in West Indies.England and Pakistan. Run chases can't be left out. But still they were mentioned as "Chappel Effect" mostly. None recognized his Captaincy- as an Analyst or as a great reader of game,other than some cricketing experts.

              Just like the 2007 world cup where Rahul lost his way It was the turning point of my life(to college). I was bit sad that no one would recognize me as "Dravid". It was a bad period for me as well. Didn't reach where I expected.There were a few setbacks, criticisms. (Oh, I must say this.. I am an IT engineer now-where pace is required and I tried (-still trying-)to adjust as Rahul did for one-dayers and T20). Rahul made a career saving ton against England just when all thought his days are over.Media attention came to him only when he made some valiant efforts and when some genius failed to deliver.Not many remember that Rahul made a match saving 177 on the 20th anniversary of Sachin's career.

            Glimpses of aggression was seen during IPL,but just like we all know he can suit to any format when required

            I was worried whenever he doesn't make a big score. But the time he spent in his nets were the indications that He was not ready to give up.His success in 2011 was the indication of his ethics. His century at Lords illustrated his deep feelings for his lose in his debut.After all,He is a human. Learnt a lot from him in this short span of time. I am still not able to swallow why he retired for not performing in just one series

People would say boring "just like this writing of mine- but if you are a true fan of Rahul you may not find it tiring..After all he does make his opposition tired..

Rahul retired today(march,9th,2012)..there will be news for the media.his positive negative statistics will be postured everywhere... some telecasts of his heroics will be there for a week or two..then.....everything goes just like the olden days..

According to me this is not the proper way to end the career of a legend and the article as well ,but I should say..I am just following him...

I Respect him ..its not just me,I am sure.He has shown how brave he is..on and off the field..and have been the inspiration for many people like me.Thank you sir..we haven't seen a person like you, close to the word "Perfect".

There may be different stories behind each fan of Rahul. This is just mine. I am not a cricketing expert or technician in analyzing shots and timing,but according to me

              RAHUL DRAVID is Mr.Cricket..
Even if people admire the most entertaining...even if they love the time saving...even if games turns for crowd pullers..even if He is number two in statistics...even if spotlight changes during generation transition..He will live longer in our hearts..