"It would be apt if the Government of India honours him with the Bharat Ratna"- Sunil Gavaskar on Rahul Dravid after T20 World Cup win
Legendary Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar believes Rahul Dravid deserves to be conferred with the Bharat Ratna by the Government of India. Dravid recently won the T20 World Cup with the Men in Blue in his final assignment as the head coach.
Apart from that massive achievement, Gavaskar also shed light on some other incredible feats that Dravid has been able to scale as a player. Dravid won a Test series in England and West Indies as a player and also groomed India's large talent pool for a brief period as the head of the National Cricket Academy.
Sunil Gavaskar wrote about Rahul Dravid in his column for Mid Day:
"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."
Dravid isn't someone known to show his emotions. However, he didn't hold back from expressing himself during the trophy celebration in Barbados as well as the bus parade of the Indian team at Marine Drive.
Rahul Dravid has given joy across all party lines: Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar highlighted how Rahul Dravid's achievements as a player and coach united all the country's people despite the natural diversity in their caste, creed, communities, etc. He feels it would be fitting if such a great former cricketer is handed the honor of the Bharat Ratna.
"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 added in his column.
BCCi secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that India's new head coach and Dravid's successor will begin tenure from the tour of Sri Lanka later in July 2024.