To Dravid, with respect

The news cycle was abound with a defeated Rahul. Then it switched to a Rahul who deserved it.
At the outset , I would confess you were my second favourite cricketer after Dada. The early years where everyone was worshipping Sachin, I fought for you and forced everyone to admit you were definitely the best Indian batsman.
After the departure of Sehwag or the other ever-changing opener you came out at a position which you described as 'benchmark of batsmanship' and set out a steely resolve. In a world of extinguishing time , you taught me patience. The focussed eyes , the long innings, the long strided defence.
Its unfortunate that you always remained in some sort of shadow. Your debut 95 which still remains one of my favourite knocks of yours was overshadowed by Dada's century. The masterclass 180 is less spoken of than Laxman's heroics. But then you still stood up and delivered for yourself , the team and nation. Even Sidhu's exaggeration did not seem much when he said that you would walk on broken glass if the team needed. Only a person like you could take the strain of keeping wickets and batting at No 3.
Adelaide. Rawalpindi. Lords. Headingley. Kolkata. Georgetown. Port Elizabeth. Each memory is afresh. The trademark square cut which found no comparison, the pull in front of square, the famed defence. Only your technique helped you become only cricketer to score a century in all test-playing nations. And then the assured hands at slips.

Dravid's autograph still with me.

Cutting through Sachin's swagger , Ganguly's gorgeousness, Sehwag's show your tenacity became your infallible strength. People complained you wasted too many balls. They didn't understand how deeply the opposition was hurt. No less than McGrath said that you would have been the best Australian batsman after the Don.
The way you would craft each century , raise your bat with an expressionless face and then again take guard spoke volumes. You exemplified dignity , solidity and humility ,virtues which are hard to find today. How you would never lose cool. How you walked down to congratulate the opposition. Perhaps the punch and cry in England was the most one could see from you.
At your Bradman oration , you spoke about inheriting the game and leaving the game better than you found it. Yes , you did it completely. The game will remember you for the dignity you showed. Reebok chose to call you 'The Wall'. Thence walls don't retire , they become monuments.
Your tales and history will be told with absolute pride and wonder. You showed the capability of human will and resolve over everything else. Its a sad thing that no one else is half as able to carry your jewelled legacy.
There will be only one Rahul Dravid. And thank you for it.