Full Name: Rahul Sharad Dravid
Nickname(s): “The Wall”, “Jammy”, “Mr. Dependable”
Date of Birth: January 11, 1973
Age: 52 (as of 2025)
Place of Birth: Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Hinduism
Profession: Former Cricketer, Coach
Batting Style: Right-handed
Bowling Style: Right-arm off-break (occasional)
Role in Team: Top-order Batsman, Wicketkeeper (part-time)
Net Worth: Estimated ₹150–200 crore (from cricket, endorsements, and coaching roles)
Early Life and Education
Rahul Dravid was born in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, but was raised in Bangalore, Karnataka. His father, Sharad Dravid, worked with Kissan, a food products company, which earned Rahul the nickname “Jammy”. His mother, Pushpa Dravid, was a professor of architecture.
Dravid’s academic excellence mirrored his cricketing discipline. He studied at St. Joseph’s Boys’ High School in Bangalore and later earned a degree in commerce from St. Joseph’s College of Commerce. He was also pursuing an MBA before his cricket career took off.
At the young age of 12, Dravid was selected to represent Karnataka at the under-15 level. His patience, technique, and temperament stood out early, signaling the rise of a future cricketing legend.
Domestic and Early International Career
Dravid made his first-class debut for Karnataka in 1991 and consistently scored runs in the Ranji Trophy. He was known for his classical batting style and perfect technique.
His Test debut came against England at Lord’s in June 1996, where he scored 95 runs, while fellow debutant Sourav Ganguly scored a century. Dravid quickly earned a reputation for being solid, technically sound, and extremely reliable.
International Career Highlights
Career Stats (International)
- Tests: 164 matches | 13,288 runs | Avg: 52.31 | 36 centuries | 63 fifties
- ODIs: 344 matches | 10,889 runs | Avg: 39.16 | 12 centuries | 83 fifties
- T20Is: 1 match | 31 runs | 3 sixes in one over (vs England, 2011)
Career Achievements:
- Only Indian to score 5 consecutive 50+ scores in World Cup matches (1999)
- Most Test catches by a non-wicketkeeper: 210
- 2nd Indian (after Tendulkar) to score 10,000+ runs in both Tests and ODIs
- Part of the legendary 376-run partnership with VVS Laxman vs Australia (Kolkata, 2001)
- Captained India in both Tests and ODIs with notable overseas wins (especially in West Indies and England)
Playing Style and Legacy
Rahul Dravid was known as “The Wall” because of his rock-solid defense and incredible patience at the crease. He was a team player who was often called upon in crisis situations and rarely disappointed.
He had the unique ability to adapt: he played as a makeshift wicketkeeper in ODIs to accommodate an extra batsman and opened the innings when needed in Tests. He was revered globally for his humility, discipline, and gentlemanly conduct.
Captaincy
Dravid captained India from 2005 to 2007. Under his leadership:
- India won its first-ever Test series in the West Indies in 35 years (2006)
- India registered a historic Test series win in England (2007)
- Led India to a then-record 17 consecutive successful chases in ODIs
While his captaincy had ups and downs, he is remembered as a thoughtful and selfless leader.
Post-Retirement and Coaching Career
After retiring in 2012, Dravid focused on nurturing the next generation:
- Head Coach of India A and U-19 teams (2016–2019) – Under him, India U-19 won the 2018 U-19 World Cup
- Director of Cricket at NCA (National Cricket Academy)
- Appointed as Head Coach of the Indian National Team in 2021, leading the side across formats
Dravid is widely credited for creating a strong bench of young Indian talent, including Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, and more.
Awards and Honors
- Padma Shri – 2004
- Padma Bhushan – 2013
- ICC Hall of Fame Inductee – 2018
- Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy – ICC Cricketer of the Year (2004)
- Wisden Cricketer of the Year – 2000
- Arjuna Award – 1998
Personal Life
Rahul Dravid is married to Vijeta Pendharkar, a surgeon. The couple has two sons – Samit and Anvay. Dravid is known for keeping his personal life private and is admired for his integrity both on and off the field.
Online Presence and Public Image
While not highly active on social media, Dravid’s public image is of a calm, intelligent, and humble sportsman. He is often seen in educational ads, public service messages, and as a brand ambassador for sportsmanship and ethical conduct.
Legacy
Rahul Dravid’s legacy goes beyond runs and records:
- He is remembered as India’s greatest No. 3 Test batsman
- A role model for generations, known for hard work, honesty, and humility
- As a coach, he’s helping build the future of Indian cricket
He is, without a doubt, one of the most respected and complete cricketers India has ever produced.
