Published 09:18 IST, July 8th 2024

'Deserves the highest accolade': Gavaskar backs Dravid, says he is deserving of the Bharat Ratna

Team India legend Sunil Gavaskar is calling for everyone's support as he wants Rahul Dravid to receive the prestigious Bharat Ratna award.

Reported by: Pavitra Shome
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Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid | Image: PTI, Disney+ Hotstar
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Rahul Dravid had the ambition to win an ICC title after he missed out on several occasions. The legendary Team India cricketer, also referred to as The Wall, has been coaching the Senior National Men's Cricket Team, has been an effective mentor and was adored by the members of Team India, Dravid's guidance led India to a dominant ODI World Cup campaign before losing to Australia. But they did not lose confidence and went on to the T20 World Cup and won it all. Since the T20 CWC was Dravid's final assignment, it was the ideal send-off for the coach. Amis a horde of congratulatory messages, an Indian Cricket Great has backed Dravid to receive one of Indua's highest honours, the Bharat Ratna.

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Sunil Gavaskar vouches for Rahul Dravid to receive the Bharat Ratna for his contributions to cricket

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has backed former India cricketer and senior team coach Rahul Dravid for India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna in his column for the Mid Day. The Indian cricket great reckoned that the award should be honoured to him for his overall contribution to Indian Cricket, be it as a player or as a coach to the Indian National Team, who recently won the T20 World Cup.

"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.

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India's head coach Rahul Dravid and Virat Kohli celebrate with players and team support staff with the winners trophy after defeating South Africa in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup final cricket match at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados | Image: AP
 

"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?" Gavaskar said.

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As of now, Sachin Tendulkar is the first and the only sportsperson to be conferred with the prestigious Bharat Ratna award. For Dravid to receive the award, it will be nothing less than exemplary.

08:32 IST, July 8th 2024