Bengaluru, Feb 13 (.) From a 12-year-old boy squinting over temporary stands to one of cricket’s most revered icons, Rahul Dravid’s journey came full circle at the 50th anniversary of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
However, the magic of this day lay not just in the celebration of the stadium itself, but in the personal memories Dravid carried—of a boyhood shaped by passion, guidance, and tireless effort.
Speaking after Anil Kumble, Dravid admitted it was daunting to follow a legend. However, he quickly transported the audience back to 1981, when his father brought him to watch India face England.
“I was 12 or 13, eager to see my hero G.R. Viswanath bat. He lasted only a few runs against John Lever, but that day has stayed with me forever,” he said, the nostalgia almost palpable.
However, childhood memories were only the beginning. KSCA summer camps under legendary coaches Kekki Tarapore, and watching peers like Sujith Somsundar sharpen their skills, forged his love for cricket.
“This stadium became a second home. We spent more time here than at home—learning, celebrating victories, enduring disappointments. Everything I am today comes from what this ground gave me,” Dravid reflected.
However, this journey was never solitary. Dravid paid heartfelt tribute to his father, whose unwavering love and insistence on taking him to matches nurtured his passion.
He also expressed pride in sharing the honor with Shanta Rangaswamy, a pioneer in women’s sport. “To stand here alongside someone who broke barriers is deeply special,” he said.
However, talent alone is never enough. Mentors and teammates shaped his cricketing ethos. Dravid recalled Thimmappaiah and Nagaraj, who guided him during formative years, and the invaluable experience of facing bowlers like Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Venkatesh Prasad, Sunil Joshi, David Johnson, and Dodda Ganesh.
“If I didn’t make it in international cricket, it was nobody’s fault but my own,” he said, underlining the high standards and unmatched guidance he received.
However, the story of cricket in Karnataka is also one of unsung heroes. Dravid acknowledged officials such as Dr. Thimmappaiah, Mr. Kasturi Rangan, Mr. Bhagwath Chandrashekhar, and Mr. Sudhakar Rao, whose quiet dedication built a lasting legacy.
He also lauded the KSCA committee and the Karnataka government for restoring cricket at the stadium after the ban following a stampede.
“There were fears that cricket might never return to this iconic ground. Thanks to Venky Prasad and the committee, the game is back in its rightful home,” he said.
However, Dravid was quick to highlight the countless people behind the scenes—coaches, groundsmen, office staff, umpires, and scorers—whose efforts allowed talent to flourish.
“This honor is not mine alone. It belongs to everyone who supported me along the way. My father, watching from above, would be proud,” he said, earning a standing ovation.
However, what lingered most was the emotion, the nostalgia, and the sense of belonging. Dravid’s speech was not just a reflection; it was a celebration of mentorship, family, camaraderie, and the spirit of cricket in Bengaluru. It was a reminder that the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium continues to inspire generations of cricketers and fans alike.
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