If you are a 90s kid (or even a modern one) there are high chances of you witnessing the masterclass of a batsmen dubbed as “the wall” when you tuned in to watch India in action. Well, the man doesn’t need any introductions but for the sake of the modern generation that is unaware of this magician of Indian cricket, I am talking about Rahul Dravid.
Part of Indias ‘fab four’ (along with Sachin, Laxman, and Ganguly) Dravid was that rock-solid batsman cum wicketkeeper who provided India some real stability in the middle order. Over 24,000 runs, 48 International Hundreds, and many memorable moments Dravid has given us all.
As this legend is still showing his masterclass staying away from the limelight and nurturing India’s budding cricket we thought why not unveil some of the unknown or lesser-known facts from his life to give the fans a real treat on his birthday.
All Indian Roots
Dravid is a best example of someone with all-India roots. The cricketer was born in Indore in Madhya Pradesh in a typical Marathi family. However, he spent most part of his life from schooling to cricketing in Karnataka.
Dravid grew up in the now ‘IT Hub’ of India Bengaluru where his mother Pushpa, was a professor of Architecture at the University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE) and his father worked in ‘Kissan Jam’ factory.
An MBA
Very few people know that Dravid has as good educational records as his cricketing ones. After obtaining a degree in commerce from St. Joseph’s College of Commerce, Bangalore Dravid went for an MBA making sure that his education don’t suffer in front of his cricketing passion.
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When he was pursuing MBA in parallel to nurturing his game he was selected to India national cricket team.
From Hockey To Cricket
The ‘Great Wall’ of India was heading towards an altogether different ball sport before entering into cricket. Yes, Dravid was a hockey player in his earlier sporting days. He started his sporting journey with India’s national game.
However, he started playing cricket at the age of 12, and represented the state team at under – 15, under – 17 & under – 19 levels.
Yes He Took Wickets
Not only did Rahul Dravid bowled in international cricket (contrary to the common belief) but also took wickets as well. Dravid has taken 4 wickets in ODIs and 1 wicket in Tests during his career.
Among his scalps are great batsmen of the time ‘Saeed Anwar’ and ‘Lance Klusener’. This man was a complete cricketer guys.
Sexiest Sports Personality
While he looked shy and kept himself off the limelight most of the time (apart from the time he is batting) Mr. Dravid was Mr. Sexy and had a great female fan following during his playing days (and I guess even now).
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In an online survey held in 2004-05, Dravid was voted as the “Sexiest Sports Personality in India” beating the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Sania Mirza and others.
Mystery Of His Jersey Number
Many asked Dravid the reason behind donning a number “19” jersey. While many believed it to be a superstition as many cricketers do to get confidence as they step on field the reality was 180 degrees different.
In an interview, Dravid said, “My jersey number is 19 not because of any superstition but because it’s the best way to remember my wife’s birthday.” You see he is not only smart on the field.
Credits: RVCJ
