In Praise of Rahul

He needs no introduction. In my opinion, he is India's best Test batsman after Sunil Gavaskar. And this morning just proved why. Pushed against the wall by criticism of his overtly cautious defensive innings at MCG, Rahul Dravid had only one thing to play for - pride.

Today's innings would never be lauded for its class or its excellence or the impeccable footwork which has come to define his vigil at the crease as and when he has gone out to bat but for all the virtues he stands for, for everything he has achieved in his brilliant cricketing career - a stomach for a fight, a steely adamant resolve of staying put when the going is tough, never giving away his wicket casually and an insatiable hunger for success in adversity. It is only when you are searching for runs after having scored around 10,000 of them, only when you cannot figure out how on earth you will find the gaps which you were piercing at will the other day, only then you will know whether you are looking at greatness or passing by mediocrity.

The match was poised at a very interesting stage. On one end VVS was going all guns blazing with his trademark silken touches and his exuberant wristwork while on the other one man was fighting to stay alive.

And what a fight.

For 36 balls at one stretch Rahul had not scored. The crowd had got into the game. Boos were heard all around and with each passing ball stoutly defended the boos only became stronger. Yet, that did not ruffle him. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that, that was the trigger he needed to assert himself. You can just about make out from those eyes that "come what may, I will not give in. I will NOT give in." And just after tea, he took a single, an ungainly push to the covers. The crowd rose on their feet, in jest maybe, maybe in respect and lauded and Rahul raised his bat! He allowed himself a smile and got back to work.

That is the reason why that man is impossible. That is why you have to stand up and respect him. That is why he ought to be every underdog's role model. That is the reason why they call him "The Wall".