The Very Very Special Wall

To write a  blog has been a long overdue task in my scheme of things and I couldn’t think of a more apt topic for me to start my blog than the retirement of Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman.

When a sportsperson retires from his/ her sport it is but a normal routine to go through the stats that the person has accumulated. However, when it comes to the realm of sporting geniuses, it is not the statistics, but the way the sportsperson captivates the imagination  of a whole generation that ultimately matters.  And there is no better proof to make people believe this than the success of these two legends.

Rahul Dravid! The name itself is being used as a synonym for hard work, endurance and concentration.  The appearance of this man might not bring these words forth .. however, once the batting equipment is on or when he is fielding at his first slip position, these are just a few among the many words that will enter a persons mind.  How many times have I been awe struck by his forward defence! Imagine.. a mere defensive shot.. but then this shot epitomizes Dravid more than anything else. The defiance.. the statement that you will need to work hard to dispose me.. ! And having walked into the sunset after a beautiful cricket playing career, he looks all set to be in the thick of things when it comes to cricket administration. I will hardly be surprised if say 10 years from now, the name of the ICC president is RAHUL DRAVID. Like the steely resolve in his batting, his speeches post retirement have had a definite purpose to it. And if Dravid does step into administration, Cricket lovers have all reasons to look forward to something spectacular off the field as well.

VVS Laxman. What words can describe this man!  He is poetry in motion. He has a lazy elegance that i find very hard to describe.  His wrists are worth millions. How he uses them is beyond words. You get a notion of an artist at work when watching him bat. He is also the proud owner of arguably best innings ever played by an Indian. No article about Laxman can be complete without mentioning the 281 he scored at Eden Gardens or his love affair with Australia. Here is a person who loved facing the most dreaded opposition and easily conquering them over and over again! A person who performs these awe inspiring stuff and then turns out everyday to do the normal day to day routine. The greatness of this man is in his simplicity! No advertisements.. No outward bursts in public.. A true gentleman of the game who terrorized the most dreaded bowlers.

How much the retirement of these two legends will effect team India can not be judged at this point of time. The magnitude of the loss is HUGE. Onus is on a few youngsters to step up. Replacements to Dravid and Laxman they can never be. Comparisons to these giants will not help the youngsters as well. Team India will however be praying for the youngsters to be atleast half the men that Dravid and Laxman turned out to be. Raising a toast to these geniuses!