Former Indian cricket team captain Rahul Dravid was on Sunday inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. He becomes only the fifth Indian to receive the honour after Bishan Singh Bedi, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar and Anil Kumble.
The legendary Indian batsman was inducted along with former Australia captain Ricky Ponting and England women’s batting icon Claire Taylor.
In a video message, Dravid said, “It’s a great honour and privilege to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. I’m thankful to the ICC for giving me this honour. It’s a privilege to be in a group of people I have looked up to and I have admired as a young man growing up in my journey as a cricketer. I love to be able to thank so many people who have made it possible for me to have a career in this sport and to fulfill my dreams.”
Dravid, who is currently in England as coach of the India A team that is on tour, wasn’t present on the occasion to receive the honour.
“My parents, my young family, my wife and two kids, my so many friends, colleagues that I have played with and played against who have enriched my game, my many coaches right from the time I was a boy in school and the coaches that I have played for India have really helped me develop my potential. I would not be here if not for the support and love that they have given me and I’m truly thankful and grateful for it,” he added.
Known for his immaculate technique, Dravid finished his stellar Test career, scoring 13,288 runs in 164 Tests. He is fourth on the list of all-time run-getters in cricket’s longest format, only behind Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting and Jacques Kallis.