Timeless Steel

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I guess it's a very nice feeling to be considered a role model, knowing that there are people who look up to you and acknowledge your achievements, admire them. But put yourself in their shoes for a minute. Every instance
is put under the scanner once you attain this status. You really ought to be aware of what you're doing.

A sport for me means pushing the boundaries of physical and mental strengths to great heights. As commoners we never do that I suppose. Sure we all face challenges of our own everyday, be it as a doctor, soldier, IT
Joe etc., But in a nation like ours, where cricket has been THE sport for over a decade, it's very hard to find a complete man. One who can be ruthless to his competitors, yet find solace once outside the field. The ideal human being is pretty much impossible to find in this age to hyped up players and cash rich tournaments. I have been lucky enough to grow up watching him play some of his best knocks. A land where flamboyance is valued more than anything, he showed us grit, patience, hard work and talent always get their due credit.

Rahul Dravid is an acquired taste. You show some of his best knocks or narrate his stories to kids, you'll probably bore them to sleep because they want to see the stoke play of Sachin or Virat or the ingenuity of MS. For those who know the game though, well, Dravid needs no introduction. His close to flawless technique and constant will to excel earned him a place in the history books. During my teens, I thought he was slow, boring, but consistent. I knew we could always count on Dravid no matter what. A self proclaimed Sachin fan that I am, I always had a soft corner for Dravid. He went out of his comfort zone many times, put the team's interest ahead of his own, shaped the  outlook of Indian cricket in more ways than one. His greatness is proved not by his own numbers, but by those which show his match winning and match saving knocks. His ability to grind it in the middle during the toughest of times, yet not make any noise about it is something not many can boast of. Over shadowed by the likes of more popular stroke makers, Dravid carved his own niche as a dependable and honest team player.

When I saw the Bradman oration, I was humbled how this great man, this epitome of success spoke with the humility and love for the game. It definitely came from a man with great passion, love for the game. Many
things can be learnt from how he went about his career; quiet, determined, hard working. A lot of things are coming to my mind soon after finishing reading his latest bio. The way he conducted himself off the field, his curiosity to understand other's lives, their challenges. What really amazed me was the way he describes the greatest players think and do. He says despite all the money, fame, glamour and endorsements, they always wanted be to good cricketers. It almost seems unreal that a sporting legend can be so down-to -earth and actually give a damn about others. 

The world has it's fair share of show offs. Those who make lots of noises at the smallest of achievements. We need more like Dravid who can raise their voice just enough to be heard but never be forgotten. He was the role model for the average Indian. He showed what determination, hard work and a goal in mind help you achieve in life. Yet, he went about in a way few of us cant think about. His retirement was as unassuming as the man himself. The perfect role model then, you bet. The ideal human being, even more so.

I consider myself lucky in many regards. I thank god for providing me with a wonderful family, amazing friends and all the things around me. My latest addition to this list is I thank him for making me grow up during the time
Rahul Dravid played.

P.S: Loved the quote of Sir Bradman where he says, "The ability to conduct life with dignity, integrity, courage and modesty was totally compatible with pride, ambition, determination and competitiveness". Some food for
thought

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