Government Should Honour Rahul Dravid With Bharat Ratna: Sunil Gavaskar

Mumbai: Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has said that it would be apt if the government honours Rahul Dravid with the Bharat Ratna. Gavaskar said Dravid should get the Bharat Ratna “for that’s what he has truly been”.

India defeated South Africa by seven runs in the thrilling final, bringing an end to their long-standing ICC trophy drought. This victory marks a significant redemption story for Dravid, who had faced harsh criticism after India’s humiliating group-stage exit in the 2007 ODI World Cup in the West Indies.

Seventeen years later, Dravid’s journey from a beleaguered captain to a celebrated mentor reached a pinnacle when he was called upon by Virat Kohli to lift the trophy, prompting an unprecedented celebration from the usually reserved cricketing legend.

The celebrations in India have been euphoric, with tens of thousands of fans gathering in Mumbai to join in the felicitation of the victorious Indian team. Amidst this jubilant atmosphere, former captain Sunil Gavaskar has made a significant plea: to honour Rahul Dravid with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.

In his column in Mid Day, Gavaskar highlighted Dravid’s monumental contributions to Indian cricket, not just as a player and captain but also in his roles as the chairman of the National Cricket Academy and the current coach of the senior team.

“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,” Gavaskar wrote.

Sachin Tendulkar, the only sportsperson to have received the Bharat Ratna, was awarded the honour at the age of 40 in 2014, making him the youngest recipient. Gavaskar argues that Dravid’s extensive achievements have brought joy across diverse sections of Indian society, transcending party lines, caste, creed, and communities.

“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.

As the nation basks in the glory of the recent victory, the call for recognizing Rahul Dravid’s unparalleled contributions to Indian cricket with the Bharat Ratna gains momentum, resonating with the sentiments of millions of cricket fans across the country.

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