Sunil Gavaskar, the iconic former Indian batsman, has ignited a national conversation by proposing Rahul Dravid, the current head coach of the Indian cricket team, as a deserving recipient of the Bharat Ratna, India’s most prestigious civilian award. This suggestion comes in the wake of India’s triumphant T20 World Cup victory, a moment that marked a culmination of Dravid’s dedication and leadership.
Celebrations and Gavaskar’s Proposal
As celebrations erupted across cricket-loving India, former captain Sunil Gavaskar proposed that Rahul Dravid be honoured with the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award. In his column for Mid Day, Gavaskar highlighted Dravid’s exceptional contributions to Indian cricket as both a player and a coach.
“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,” Gavaskar stated.
Dravid’s Celebratory Moment
The victory in Barbados was particularly special for Dravid, who celebrated enthusiastically when Virat Kohli invited him to lift the trophy. This rare display of emotion underscored the significance of the moment, not just for Dravid but for the entire cricketing fraternity in India.
Rahul Dravid’s contributions to Indian cricket extend far beyond his impressive statistics as a player. As Gavaskar noted, Dravid has been instrumental in nurturing young talent through his role as chairman of the National Cricket Academy and later as the head coach of the national team.
“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?” Gavaskar added.
Sachin Tendulkar, the legendary batsman, remains the only sportsperson to have received the Bharat Ratna. Awarded in 2014 at the age of 40, Tendulkar became the youngest recipient of the prestigious honor. Whether Dravid joins Tendulkar in this exclusive club of national heroes is yet to be seen. However, Gavaskar’s passionate advocacy has undoubtedly placed Dravid’s remarkable contributions to Indian cricket under the spotlight, prompting a national conversation about his worthiness for the Bharat Ratna.
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