Rahul Dravid - a perfect role model

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Today, on March 9, 2012 at 12:30pm, one of Indian Cricket's finest batsman and great player - Rahul Dravid announced his retirement from all forms of cricket; a drop of tear rolled down from my eyes listening to this. I have always looked up to Rahul Dravid for inspiration at many stages of my life and will always feel proud of the fact that I grew up in an era when Rahul Dravid played cricket for India. Every performance - good or bad has been a journey full of hardships, hard work, hurdles and exemplary success. A lot has been written all over the web today but I just want to pen down why I've always considered Rahul Dravid as a perfect role model. It will serve as a reminder whenever I need to realign my priorities, to better myself, to cope with my lows, to introspect and to bounce back with conviction.

When someone asks 'Why is someone your role model?', one often tends to find one, two, or at best five reasons to answer but if that someone in question is Rahul Dravid then even your ten fingers feel less to count the reasons. Those who have seen, observed and experienced Rahul Dravid's style can any day can list 'n' number of qualities that make him a perfect role model. I will pen down some of his qualities below brick by brick to construct 'The Wall'.

Rahul Dravid's 12 qualities that make him a perfect role model:

 1  Played with heart, passion & sincerity
 2  Thorough gentleman, humble & full of dignity
 3  Focused & determined to win for pride
 4  Meticulously practiced, stretched to deliver
 5  Attentive to detail, master craftsman of the game
 6  Perfectionist, fought his way through all odds
 7  Contributed selflessly & always put team above
 8  Encouraged & inspired many youngsters
 9  Never said a 'No', shouldered responsibilities
10 Self-introspected when going through lows
11 Faced failures, yet never stopped trying
12 Come what may, always Mr. Dependable


Rahul Dravid has always been a silent performer, full of talent and commitment. He remained calm and kept his head cool whenever he was asked to serve in different roles. He never compared himself with anybody and competed against his own performance. He is a man of class and always served to contribute for the bigger goal. Like he said, records didn't matter to him as long as he was contributing to India's victory.

Today in his last and final press conference as a cricketer, the sober Rahul Dravid summarized his own story in the most convincing manner. I leave you with the lines that will be etched in our minds forever and continue to inspire us.

Rahul Dravid, the legend

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.

Rahul Dravid, March 9, 2012 -  

Thank you Rahul Dravid for being a perfect role model. We will miss you at the No.3 batsman spot.

One more fan,
A.

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About the Author:
Arif Khan is a Digital Marketing pro who blends creativity, analytics and social media to create digital experiences and achieve marketing effectiveness. He blogs on everything digital, creativity, education and personal notes. In his spare time, he likes interacting with students and likes to cook. More →
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