New Delhi: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has called for Rahul Dravid to be bestowed with the Bharat Ratna for his contributions in Indian cricket. Having made his debut for India in 1996, the former India captain played 164 Tests, 344 ODIs, and 1 T20I for the country. During his 16-year-old long international career, Dravid scored more than 24000 runs, thus etching his name as one of the stalwarts of Indian cricket.
Post-retirement, Dravid enjoyed success in coaching too, having won the U-19 World Cup with the Boys in Blue in 2018 and the T20 World Cup with the men’s senior team last month. Under his guidance, India had also finished runners-up in World Test Championship final and ODI World Cup final in 2023.
Grateful for his contributions to Indian cricket for the last 30 years, Gavaskar felt that Dravid should be honoured with the highest civilian award in India.“It would be apt if the Government of India honours him with the Bharat Ratna, for that’s what he has truly been,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for Mid-Day.
“Great player and captain of the country with famous away series wins in the West Indies when wins there really meant something and also win in England being only among the three Indian captains to have won a Test match series there, a wonderful talent groomer in his earlier role of the chairman of the National Cricket Academy and then as coach of the senior team,” he added.
“Dravid’s achievements have given joy across all party lines and across caste, creed, communities and brought untold happiness to the whole country. Surely, that deserves the highest accolade the country can give. C’mon, everybody, please join me in asking the government to recognise one of the greatest sons of India. Bharat Ratna, Rahul Sharad Dravid. Sounds terrific, doesn’t it?” he added.
