When Rahul Dravid announced his retirement from the international cricket arena, for days there was a flurry of writings, interviews and pictures, all giving an ode to the cricketer, who has retired as a 'great' and the man who remains to be as gentle and balanced as ever. The book 'Timeless Steel' comes across as another ode to the man. But this one, being a great compilation of what the cricket men think about him and what he thinks, is indeed a more insightful read. While most of the writings may not be new for an ardent cricket follower, they certainly are a pleasure to read as there is slightly more than what one might have read.
The book by ESPNCricinfo and Disney describes Rahul Dravid as cricket's 'go-to man' and as one's regular, everyday superstar. The words fit in quite well to describe the man who has been our boy next door, yet our star, a role model.The first two parts of the book have writings by experts and by his peer group. Rahul Dravid is not one of those cricketers who easily got the title of a 'great' or a 'talent'.
But as Suresh Menon, Editor of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack India finely puts it - "The combination of intensity and relaxation, self awareness and modesty, Test orthodoxy and limited overs creativity is rare. It is called talent and is as much a function of greatness as the stunning on-drive and the powerful square cut,
02:08 PM, Jul 28, 2012
