No life without cricket: Dravid
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It wouldn’t be a hyperbole to say that discipline is a byword for Rahul Dravid. The former Indian captain and the third highest run-getter in Tests, who was in Chennai to play in the TNCA senior division league final last week, was still meticulously preparing to help his team — on this occasion Vijay CC — come up trumps.
There is nothing that has not been written about Dravid the cricketer. From being the most reliable Indian batsman to being versatile in adapting to the demands of fast-food cricket, everything has been covered about the Wall in detail.
In a casual chat with Deccan Chronicle, the legend was affable enough to share a few interesting facts about his personal life. Dravid spoke about his love for books and his hobbies among others. Excerpts:
Earliest sporting memory: Playing cricket in front of my home with my dad.
Other sports played: Football, hockey, tennis, badminton.
Few words on your school life? School life was fun.
Your first experience holding a cricket bat? I have always held a cricket bat from the time I can remember. I used to keep swinging it around my house for endless hours.
What would you have done without cricket? That’s a tough call. I am really not sure what I would have done. I have never had a life outside cricket.
Most memorable sporting moment? Making my Test debut against England at the Lord’s in 1996.
Worst sporting moment: There are many (to mention) in a long career.
Sporting heroes: Growing up, I adored GR Viswanath, Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev. Outside cricket, I have followed Michael Jordan, Roger Federer and John McEnroe.
Favourite venue: The Lord’s.
Sporting event you would pay the most to watch: The Olympics, which I haven’t had a chance to see.
Questions most asked by the public and the press: What would you have done without cricket?
Sporting motto: Enjoy the game and always aim to get better.
Who would you most like to invite to dinner — and why? I need to take my wife Vijeta out for dinner (laughs). I haven’t been spending enough time at home.
The best match you ever saw: The 2008 Wimbledon final between Federer and Rafael Nadal.
The person you learnt most from: My dad had a great influence on me.
Favourite holiday spot: I love visiting the Kabini forest in Karnataka.
Your one piece of advice to youngsters: Enjoy the game and always work hard at getting better.
Your biggest extravaganza: Books are my prized possessions.
The craziest thing you have ever done: At times, facing genuinely quick bowlers can actually be a crazy thing to do.
One bad habit you wish you could get rid of: I wish I only had a bit more discipline over eating sweets.
Favourite actor: Aamir Khan.
Funniest fan letter? After I got married, a lot of my letters have gone from being ‘dear Rahul’ to ‘dear Rahul bhaiyya’. I found that pretty hilarious.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? That’s quite a long period ahead. Guess I would like to spend a lot of time with my children but still be able to dabble and stay involved with the game that I love so much.
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