i’m sorry Dravid.

on behalf of the ever crazy, maddening media guys; on behalf of the millions of equally crazy but infinitely more passionate cricket fans and on behalf of a pusillanimous board which couldn’t even give you a farewell test… i’m really really sorry Dravid. you were the epitome of all that’s gentlemanly in this increasingly ungentlemanly game.

ever the gentleman, these are Dravid’s parting words to the Indian cricket fan. “The game is lucky to have you and I have been lucky to play before you… My approach to cricket has been reasonably simple: it was about giving everything to the team, it was about playing with dignity and it was about upholding the spirit of the game. I hope I have done some of that. I have failed at times, but I have never stopped trying. It is why I leave with sadness but also with pride.” (via Cricinfo)

i can’t say much. not as of now. too emotional at the moment. if this is my response at Dravid’s farewell, i don’t even want to imagine what will be my reaction on Sachin’s adieu. but, yes, just one line. and it summarizes everything i want to say about Dravid. Sachin is my most cherished idol, but… but in a hypothetical situation, if i’d to choose someone to bat when my life was on the line… i wouldn’t think twice before choosing Dravid.

Fare well Rahul. and thanks for the cricket.

-adee

Rahul Dravid’s retirement speech: full text

Rahul Dravid speech- Sir Donald Bradman oration 2011: video