The Hindu : The bricks that make 'The Wall'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Oct 21, 2002

Sport

Sport - Cricket

The bricks that make 'The Wall'

By K. Keerthivasan

CHENNAI OCT. 20. That kids imbibe mannerisms, behaviour and attitudes from their parents is an indisputable fact. And some traits refuse to go away even when the kids grow up into mature adults.

Going by this yardstick, Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid should be the luckiest `kid' around. For, in Mr. R. V. Dravid (68), Rahul has been blessed with a father who is unruffled, keeps a cool head and maintains a dignified calm throughout. And isn't Rahul's batting exactly about these virtues!

The elder Dravid was watching the fourth day's proceedings with interest when The Hindu caught up with him and his wife.

Quite a few similarities exist between Rahul `The Wall's batting and Mr. Dravid's personality: natural, methodical and unassuming. While father Dravid shifts between reading newspapers and watching the match, mother Pushpa Dravid is engrossed in a Hindi magazine.

Says a proud father on his son's success: "He was good in studies and games. He was a good hockey player, a fine athlete. He played all games well. The atmosphere at home was also good. He did not have to face any problems."

When it comes building an innings, Rahul is the role model for aspiring youngsters who want to make it big at the international level. Reveals Mr. Dravid: "He (Rahul) had the will to struggle and do the necessary hard work to come up. His concentration was good." His wife interrupts: "The greatest asset of Rahul is that he has concern for everybody, from human beings to wild animals. He wants everybody to do well."

On-field disappointments, negative media reports and incessant fan calls are things they have learnt to take in their stride over the years. "We are not excited. He, too, is not an excitable person. Initially, it was hard but now we have got used to it. It has become a part of life."

Having seen Rahul rise as a human being and a professional, they know how to raise a child as well as nurture his ambitions. "You should be supportive of the child," says Mr. Dravid. He also feels that a child should be encouraged in his area of interest.

It is a known fact that Dravid is one of the most erudite players in the Indian team being a voracious reader. "He reads a variety of books — on Vivekananda, cricket biographies and wild life," says his father.

Mr. Dravid's favourite innings of his son was the 148 he made in the Leeds Test this year against England. "It was his best given the nature of the pitch — lively and turning."

Mr. Dravid is a retired Manager of Kissan Ltd., while Mrs. Pushpa Dravid is a retired Professor in Architecture from Visweshvaraya Engineering College. Mrs. Pushpa is very much into her architecture business even after retirement. "I hold exhibitions and have my own art gallery," she says. Pushpa, who was given the State award for arts in 1997-98, is also the first candidate to be awarded doctorate in arts from the Karnataka Government. Due to her tight work schedule, she admits that she doesn't get as much time watching his son play, unlike her husband.

The two prefer a low profile and enjoy each other's company. As we troop out, Mr. Dravid says, "Keep it (article) short. Don't make it very big."

Hope the promise has been kept. Much like the numerous ones Rahul keeps for India time and again.

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