Gaji
The cricketing society came together to raise a toast for the retired Rahul Dravid as they fondly remembered the huge contribution of the batting stalwart.
Accolades such as "huge pillar" of Indian cricket "greatest number 3 bats" and one of the "best cricketers and ambassadors" poured in from his former and current teammates who paid glowing tribute in a star-studded felicitation function.
Former captains Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble, current skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni and VVS Laxman were among those who spoke at the function attended by a galaxy of former cricketers, BCCI officials and other dignitary.
While relating him as a "huge pillar", Ganguly said Dravid, who announce his retirement from international cricket on March 9, was a great ambassador of the game.
"He was one of the huge pillar through which Indian cricket went forward. He is one of the greatest batsmen not just in India but in world cricket," Ganguly said.
"You (Dravid) played in an era when Indian cricket went from strength to strength."
Ganguly rated his 180 against Australia at the Eden Gardens in 2001 as Dravid's best knock.
"As far his best knocks are concerned, there are bound to be debates. But as I had said always, the one at Eden Gardens is the best. Though I rate the knocks overseas highly, I think the knock at Eden with VVS (Laxman) not only established him in world cricket but was also important for Indian cricket.
"I am happy that he could take the decision on his own. His contribution to Indian cricket isn't finished with the number of runs he has scored or the catches he has taken, he is a great ambassador."
The left-hander said he was lucky to have Dravid as his deputy when he was the captain of the Indian team.
"I was lucky to have you as vice-captain for five years, the work behind you and John (Wright) did."
Recalling his long career, Dravid said that Dhoni's team winning the ODI World Cup last year was a "special moment" for him.
"Mahi, you have to be proud of what you have done with this Indian team. It was a special moment for me to see the group of boys holding the World Cup last year after 2007 (when India was knocked out in the first round).
"It was a memorable moment. It was inspiring, as a 10-year-old, to see Kapil Dev lift the World Cup, and to do it again in 2011, was special. I know you have inspired a lot of 10-year-olds, there are challenges but you have the right temperament to take the legacy of Indian team forward."
Dravid said having spent so much time with the team; he will now miss being part of the Indian dressing room.
"I will miss being part of the dressing room, the banter, the camaraderie but not so much the rap music," Dravid said in a lighter vein.
The former Indian captain said that he had made a pact with himself that he would not cry in any of the functions, and it was "tested to the limit" in the last two-three weeks.
Kumble, with whom Dravid combined to affect a number of dismissals, felt it would be difficult for anyone to emulate the cricketer. "It's been a great partnership with you Rahul. When we look back we can gladly say we will only remember the wonderful memories. I just spoke about the 55 catches you have taken (off my bowling).
"When his first son Samit was born, somebody sms-ed saying caught Dravid bowled Kumble. But his son cannot be Rahul Dravid. It would be easier for his son to take 2 wickets than score the number of runs he has scored, just like it would be easier for my son to have a batting average of 18," Kumble said.
"All of us know how he is as a person. During the evening-outs on tours he would know exactly what I hated. He was at times lost in his own thoughts, probably thinking about how he would beat the next day or analysing the day's proceedings. I know in the next couple of months he would be busy with the IPL. I tell you it’s going to get busier."
Dravid ended his Test career with 13,288 runs -- behind only Tendulkar -- in 164 matches, with 36 hundreds and 63 half centuries at an average of 52.31, the 270 against Pakistan being his highest score. In the 50-over format, he scored 10,889 runs from 344 ODIs with 12 centuries and 83 half centuries at an average of 39.16.
Laxman, who has been involved in innumerable match-winning partnerships with Dravid, termed the latter as an "all-time great".
"It is a great occasion in the presence of the legends and the Indian greats of cricket to celebrate the end of the illustrious career of one of the all-time greats of the game. A great friend and a colleague.
"I will definitely be missing you in the dressing room. When I first met you as a 16-year-old, playing for Karnataka Under-19, I was impressed with your passion for the game and your style. We then went on to play for India and I cherish our relationship that blossomed over the years.
"In 1996, Rahul made his debut at Lord's where he got out after scoring 95. He must have been really disappointed not to have got his century. But he proved how much effort, hard work and pride he puts into his game when he scored his century at Lord's in 2011. Celebrations showed how much it meant for him to score it at the Lord's for his country.
Laxman recalled the sacrifices Dravid made in the interest of the team.
"He has always been a very selfless cricketer. And that was proved by the various roles he has donned as a cricketer over the years. Right from opening the batting to keeping, he has always showed that for him team comes first.
"All the best to Rahul as he prepares to spend the time with his lovely family. I would also like to congratulate his family for the upbringing and the way he has been. Even after achieving so much he has always remained grounded. I am sure he would contribute to Indian cricket in the future also."
Dhoni spoke about how different was Dravid in terms of showing aggression.
"At a time when it is considered that aggression is verbal, he never said a word to the opposition. He showed the aggression through taking a catch or staying at the crease and channelise the discomfort and aggression in the best possible manner.
"He is one of the greatest to play the game and the greatest to play at number three. He is someone who has got most catches. He was always ready to do anything for the country and the team when it came to opening the batting, wicket keeping, or fielding at silly point or at the slips."
Dhoni also said that Dravid would easily overcome difficult phases.
"India lost in the first round in the 2007 World Cup and then there was a phase was we won 20-22 matches chasing and Rahul Bhai has been a part of both. He was someone who would walk through the obstacle.
"As a wicket keeper, he has taken some catches which many regular keepers wouldn't have. It is a tribute from a lot of youngsters who have learned from Jammy. Not to forget he could play most of the sports well, be it soccer or badminton. He is a true gentleman,"
Coming back to Ganguly, the left-hander remembered the century Dravid hit in his early days, against Bengal.
"In our early days, I remember on an ordinary wicket, he got a hundred. I remember in 1990 he debuted for Karnataka and scored a hundred against Bengal.
"It's good to see you leading a side now (Rajasthan Royals in IPL) and hope you come back for the next season too. It's been an honour and pleasure to share some wonderful, tough moments," Ganguly said.
