Dravid taught us to value our wicket, say Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane – Cricket News Update
Young Indian batsmen, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane on Monday paid rich tributes to the outgoing legendary batsman, Rahul Dravid and attributed their positive attitude towards the game, even during the worst phases, to the veteran middle-order batsman.
Rahul Dravid, on Friday announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing his 16-year-long cricketing career to an end at a ripe age of 39.
Middle-order batsmen, Rohit Sharma who has so far played 77 One Day Internationals for India compiling a tally of 1889 runs at an impressive batting average of 33.14, heaped praise on the Indian batting stalwart and said that he had taught the young players
valuing their position in the team and not to give up under any circumstances.
"I've learnt quite a lot from him. The first thing is putting a price on your wicket," said Rohit Sharma speaking to the media reporters on Monday.
"Secondly, no matter what condition and situation you are batting in, never give up. Just be there, feel the heat, feel the pressure...He showed us that. That is the biggest thing I learnt from him," he added further.
Another promising India batsman Ajinkya Rahane, who has donned Indian colours on just 13 occasions so far, 11 ODIs and two T20 Internationals, also praised the departing veteran for his calmness, temperament and humility.
"He showed us how important your wicket is and to value it always. Another thing about him is how humble he always is on and off the field. That quality really stands out," said the 23-year-old right-handed batsman from Maharashtra.
Reminiscing the 2008-09 Duleep Trophy final against South Zone, the emerging batsman said that he was reluctant in approaching such a big player for tips and considering his hesitation, Dravid himself had come to the novice and told him to continue playing
the way he had been playing. Rahane had scored 165 and 98 in that match.
“I have had the privilege of sharing two dressing rooms with him -- India and Rajasthan Royals," the rookie top order batsman concluded.
Though Dravid has announced retirement from international cricket with immediate effect, he will play for Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming season five of the lucrative Indian premier league.