As tributes flow, Rahul Dravid is moved to tears

MUMBAI: "I had made a pact with myself that I would not cry at any of the functions organized for me over the last three weeks, but I think today that's been tested to the limit," said Rahul Dravid, voice choking with emotion during the felicitation ceremony organized for him by BCCI on a warm Tuesday night.

In Pics: Rahul Dravid felicitated by BCCI

Tributes flowed just like Dravid's strokeplay during his halcyon years (between 2002 and 2006) as former teammates Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman and MS Dhoni waxed eloquent about the WALL.

The only surprising omissions in the guest list that included Indian cricket's who's who, both past and present, were Sachin Tendulkar, with whom Dravid had shared most century partnerships and has scored most runs, and India's first World Cup winning skipper Kapil Dev. Probably, both had prior commitments.

BCCI President N Srinivasan was indisposed due to ill health but sent a recorded message and called Dravid one of India's most selfless cricketers.

"Cricket's given me some of my most unbelievable experiences," Dravid said, trying hard to stop the tears from rolling down his cheeks. "I've experienced some unbelievable victories and some crushing defeats. What I've learnt through them is that tough times do pass and we can endure and we can survive. Playing for India humbled me and made me appreciate what I did for so long," Dravid said amidst rapturous applause.

Calling himself lucky to be at the "right place at the right time", Dravid went on to salute the backroom boys of Indian cricket. "I want to thank the groundsmen, scorers, umpires and people who work in honorary positions just to help organize a game of cricket and set the stage for us to perform, because without them these hundreds and these achievements wouldn't have been possible."

The man responsible for many a glorious overseas Indian triumph also thanked the BCCI for making Indian cricket the force that it is today.

"When I started in 1996, Indian cricketers were treated much like second class citizens. We always toured England in the first half of their summer and were made to play on some of the smaller county grounds. Indian cricketers have changed that but the BCCI has played its role in making us the big boys of international cricket."

Dravid, who was vice-captain to Sourav Ganguly for almost five years, also paid his former captain rich tributes. "We've been captain and vice-captain for more than five years and the relationship is almost like a husband and wife. We've had out ups and downs, but I think we've both come out of it with flying colours."

Ganguly, on his part called Dravid as one of greatest No. 3 batsmen overseas that the world has ever produced, but rated his innings of 180 against Australia at the Eden Gardens in 2001 as his best.

Indian skipper MS Dhoni, who made his Test debut under Dravid's captaincy in 2005, said, "Dravid is someone who walked through obstacles and not around them."

WHAT THEY SAID:

"Laxy, without you, Kolkata wouldn't have been possible and it was the greatest innings played by an Indian. I'll miss your company at second slip where we discussed domestic cricket and why architects and contractors aren't doing a good job." - Dravid to VVS Laxman.

"Anil, I'll miss your intensity and desire. I'm not sure I'll miss the vegetarian meal, without onion and garlic." - Dravid to Anil Kumble.

"Sourav, ours was a great partnership. As you would expect with captains and vice-captains, it was like a relationship between husband and wives. We have come out with flying colours." - Dravid to Sourav Ganguly.

"During my captaincy you (Dravid) and John (Wright) did a lot of work behind the doors to build a strong Indian team. Your are one of the best No.3 batsman in world cricket, I have seen. You were one of the pillars which took Indian cricket forward. You are one of the greatest batsmen not just in India but in world cricket." - Ganguly to Dravid.

"Mahi, watching you lift the World Cup was great after what happened in 2007. As a 10-year-old I had watched Kapil Dev lifting the World Cup in 1983. You have inspired a whole bunch of 10 year olds by what you and the team did last year. You have the right temperament and ability to take forward the legacy of Indian cricket." - Dravid to MS Dhoni.