Sunil Gavaskar Urges Indian Government to Honour Rahul Dravid with Bharat Ratna

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has called upon the Indian government to confer the prestigious Bharat Ratna award on Rahul Dravid, the former India captain and current head coach of the national team. Dravid’s impressive coaching stint, which came to an end with India’s triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies, has been marked by several notable achievements, including a runners-up finish in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup and the 2023 World Test Championship final, as well as a win in the Asia Cup.

Gavaskar, a legendary batter himself, praised Dravid’s remarkable career, which saw him amass 24,177 runs in international cricket. He also highlighted Dravid’s impressive leadership skills, citing his famous away series wins in the West Indies and England, where he became one of only three Indian captains to achieve this feat. Moreover, Gavaskar commended Dravid’s ability to groom talented players during his tenure as the chairman of the National Cricket Academy and head coach of the senior team.

In his column for Mid-Day, Gavaskar argued that Dravid’s achievements have brought joy to the entire nation, transcending party lines, caste, creed, and communities. He emphasized that Dravid’s selfless attitude, which was evident during his playing days, has continued in his coaching career. Gavaskar recalled how Dravid would often walk out to bat when an Indian wicket fell late in the day, demonstrating his willingness to put the team’s interests above his own. He also praised Dravid’s calmness, which has rubbed off on the team, helping them to win close games against Pakistan and South Africa.

Gavaskar concluded by saying that Dravid’s team-oriented attitude has been instrumental in the team’s success, and that his departure has left a lasting impact on the cricket-crazy nation. He urged the government to recognize Dravid’s outstanding contributions to Indian cricket by conferring the Bharat Ratna award, which would be a fitting tribute to his remarkable career.

Historical Context:

The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian honor, established in 1954 by the Government of India. It is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions in the fields of arts, literature, science, and public service. The award is conferred by the President of India and is considered the highest recognition for a non-governmental individual. In the past, the Bharat Ratna has been awarded to several notable individuals, including cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, and Sunil Gavaskar himself.

Sunil Gavaskar, a legendary Indian cricketer, has been a vocal advocate for recognizing the achievements of his fellow cricketers. He has previously called for the Bharat Ratna to be awarded to other cricketing greats, including Sachin Tendulkar and Kapil Dev.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Sunil Gavaskar has urged the Indian government to confer the Bharat Ratna award on Rahul Dravid, the former India captain and current head coach of the national team. • Dravid’s coaching stint has been marked by several notable achievements, including a runners-up finish in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup and the 2023 World Test Championship final, as well as a win in the Asia Cup. • Gavaskar praised Dravid’s impressive career, which saw him amass 24,177 runs in international cricket and his leadership skills, citing his away series wins in the West Indies and England. • Gavaskar commended Dravid’s ability to groom talented players during his tenure as the chairman of the National Cricket Academy and head coach of the senior team. • Gavaskar emphasized that Dravid’s selfless attitude, calmness, and team-oriented approach have been instrumental in the team’s success. • He urged the government to recognize Dravid’s outstanding contributions to Indian cricket by conferring the Bharat Ratna award, which would be a fitting tribute to his remarkable career. • Gavaskar’s call for the Bharat Ratna is a testament to Dravid’s enduring impact on Indian cricket and his status as one of the greatest cricketers of all time.