Sunil Gavaskar is a massive name in Indian cricket. He may have long retired from all forms of cricket but what he achieved on the cricket field inspired generations to do something for the country. Gavaskar remains a respected voice in the cricket community and can be seen airing his views not only as a commentator in various tournaments but also as an expert on news channels and a columnist in newspapers and journals.
And in a fresh piece that Gavaskar has written, the legendary batter has urged the Government of India to bestow Dravid with the Bharat Ratna award. Gavaskar's plea comes after Rahul Dravid's coaching stint with Team India came to an end with a T20 World Cup 2024 triumph after he had previous managed to oversee the team that reached the finals of the 2023 ICC World Test Championship as well as the ODI World Cup.
Dravid, one of India's prolific run-scorers himself, had captained India to famous Test series wins in England and West Indies before achieving remarkable success as coach of the India A and the Under-19 side while he was in charge of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Gavaskar reckoned that for all his contributions and all that he represents, Dravid deseves a Bharat Ratna Honour.
'Bharat Ratna, Rahul Sharad Dravid. Sounds terrific, Doesn't it?'
"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 wrote in his column for Mid-Day.
"Earlier in the year, the Bharat Ratna was given to some leaders who had done yeoman service to society. Even their most ardent supporters will agree that the influence they wielded was mostly restricted to their party and to the part of the country where they came from," he added.
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"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?" the member of the 1983 World Cup-winning Indian team said.