NEW DELHI: Legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his belief that Rahul Dravid deserves to be honored with the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India. Dravid's tenure as the head coach of the Indian cricket team came to an end after the team's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup held in the West Indies.
During his coaching stint, India achieved significant milestones, including finishing as runners-up in both the 2023 Men's ODI World Cup and the 2023 World Test Championship final. Additionally, the team emerged victorious in the Asia Cup in the same year.
Prior to his role as the head coach of the senior team, Dravid had already made substantial contributions to Indian cricket. He served as the head of cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and led the Indian U19 team to victory in the 2018 U19 World Cup as their head coach.
1/10:T20 World Cup: Team India victory parade
ANI
2/10:PM Modi and Rohit Sharma
<p><br /><br />India's T20 World Cup winners returned home to a heroes' welcome, greeted by huge crowds of euphoric fans and praised by a grinning Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a private reception.<br /><br /><br /></p>PTI
3/10:Rohit Sharma
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: 0.121826px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Frenzied crowds shouted "India, India" after the team landed at Delhi airport from the Caribbean, having been delayed for days by Hurricane Beryl.</p>AP
4/10:Rohit Sharma
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: 0.121826px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">The team waved to the crowds and danced to drums and live music at their hotel before heading off to meet Modi at his residence.</p>PTI
5/10:India champions
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: 0.121826px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Rohit and his team wore Indian jerseys emblazoned with "Champions", as broadcasters showed images of them posing with their trophy and the premier.</p>Agencies
6/10:Bus of champions
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: 0.121826px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Evening saw the team paraded in an open-topped bus through the financial capital Mumbai, the birthplace of India's cricket obsession, along a seafront route thronging with jubliant crowds.</p>Reuters
7/10:Wankhede Stadium
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: 0.121826px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">They took a victory lap in front of thousands more fans at Wankhede Stadium, the site of India's last World Cup win for the 50-over edition of the tournament in 2011. </p>AFP
8/10:Sea of fans
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: 0.121826px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Despite monsoon rain, crowds gathered outside New Delhi's airport long before dawn, waiting for a glimpse of their idols, who had beaten South Africa on Saturday in a thrilling final in Barbados.</p>AP
9/10:Rahul Dravid
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: 0.121826px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">The final match marked a poignant milestone for Coach Rahul Dravid, 51, as it was his last game in charge. Dravid, who had experienced the disappointment of a lackluster 2007 World Cup campaign as a captain, redeemed himself as a coach, masterminding India's unbeaten run to the title. <br /></p>Reuters
10/10:Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-family: Merriweather, serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: 0.121826px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Rohit, Kohli and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja all announced their retirement from T20 international cricket after the final.</p>PTIWith an impressive tally of 24,177 runs in international cricket during his playing career, Dravid's impact on Indian cricket has been immense both on and off the field.
"It would be apt if the Government of India honours him with the Bharat Ratna, for that’s what he has truly been. 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.
"Earlier in the year, the Bharat Ratna was given to some leaders who had done yeoman service to society. Even their most ardent supporters will agree that the influence they wielded was mostly restricted to their party and to the part of the country where they came from.
1/10:Team India meets with PM Modi
PTI
2/10:PM Modi with Rohit Sharma 2023 WC
<p>In a heartwarming display of support, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen consoling the Indian cricket team after their valiant effort in the 2023 World Cup. Despite their impressive winning streak throughout the tournament, the team narrowly missed the championship title, losing to Australia in the final match.<br /></p>PTI
3/10:Indian team
<p>The Indian cricket team, fresh from their T20 World Cup triumph, arrived in Delhi on Thursday morning after a dramatic delay. Their scheduled flight was cancelled due to a severe hurricane, forcing the team to wait out the storm before finally landing in the capital city, where they were greeted with a hero's welcome.<br /></p>Agencies
4/10:Indian cricket team fans
<p>Thousands of ecstatic fans thronged the streets of Delhi, eager to catch a glimpse of their heroes, as the Indian cricket team received a thunderous welcome upon their return after clinching the T20 World Cup 2024 title.<br /></p>ANI
5/10:Rohit Sharma
<p>After clinching the T20 World Cup 2024 title, Rohit Sharma and his triumphant team arrived in Delhi on Thursday morning to a rousing welcome. At the ITC Maurya Hotel, they were greeted with the rhythmic beats of dhols and a grand celebration. <br /></p>PTI
6/10:Jay Shah and Rohit Sharma
<p>Upon their return home, the Indian cricket team was warmly greeted by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who congratulated them on their triumphant return with the T20 World Cup trophy.<br /></p>PTI
7/10:Team Bus
<p>Following their thrilling victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados, West Indies, the Indian cricket team was honoured with an invitation to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi.<br /></p>ANI
8/10:Narendra Modi
<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi was beaming with pride as he congratulated the Indian cricket team on their impressive victory, clinching their second T20 World Cup title. He was seen sharing warm smiles and words of praise with the players, acknowledging their hard work, dedication, and teamwork. PM Modi's heartfelt congratulations added to the team's joy, as they basked in the glory of their remarkable achievement.<br /></p>PTI
9/10:Team Bus in Mumbai
<p>In Mumbai, the stage is set for a grand celebration as Team India's bus is ready to roll out for a thrilling roadshow, giving fans a unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of their cricketing heroes. The bus will make its way along Marine Drive and culminate at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, where thousands of enthusiastic fans are eagerly waiting to cheer on their idols. <br /></p>Agencies
10/10:Virat Kohli
<p>In a momentous occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen sharing a warm exchange with Virat Kohli, the Player of the Match in the thrilling T20 World Cup final. PM Modi congratulated Kohli on his outstanding performance, which played a crucial role in India's triumphant campaign. <br /></p>PTI"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?" wrote Gavaskar in his column for mid-day on Sunday.
Gavaskar praised Rahul Dravid's unwavering commitment and selflessness throughout his career, both as a player and now as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. Gavaskar highlighted Dravid's willingness to put the team's needs above his own, recalling instances from his playing days.
"Not for him a night watchman for the simple reason that if he, as a top-order batter, couldn’t play those last few minutes of the day, how can one expect a lower-order batter to do so? When asked to keep wickets, he would do so because that helped the team think-tank pick an extra batter or bowler according to the pitch and the opposition.
"That’s the team-oriented attitude that he inculcated in the team and if that continues, then the Indian team will win many more trophies and series. His calmness also would have rubbed off on the team as could be seen in the way they kept their nerve in the close games against Pakistan and the final when South Africa looked like they were running away with the game. He has left on a high with the gratitude of a cricket-crazy nation," concluded Gavaskar.
