DRAVID PROFILE

Full Name: Rahul Sharad Dravid
Born: January 11, 1973, Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Major teams: India, Scotland, ICC World XI, Karnataka, Kent
Batting style: Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm off break

Achievements:Longest streak of consecutive Tests since debut (94); greatest number of innings since debut before being dismissed for a duck; the best career test average among the contemporary test batsmen (58.55); Involved in the highest partnership (331 runs) in the history of ODI cricket along with Sachin Tendulkar vs New Zealand; ICC Player of the Year 2004

Throughout his illustrious career, Rahul "the Wall" Dravid has lived up to his moniker on umpteen occasions, stonewalling against the best of attacks to serve the Indian cause. Dravid-who averages around 60 in both forms of the game-can undoubtedly be called the most valuable player for India.

An epitome supreme technical prowess, Dravid made an impressive debut against England scoring a fighting 95. He made his mark quickly and went on to play in 94 consecutive Tests since his debut, the run being ended only by illness before the second Test against Sri Lanka in 2005. This sure is an evidence of the phenomenal consistency the man has showed over the years.

Notwithstanding his technical superiority, Dravid was stereotyped as the archetypal Test match player who is not fit for the shorter version of the game. Undeterred by such criticism, Dravid persisted and evolved his game to such an extent that he has been India's most prolific run-getter in the last two years.

The year 2001 heralded the start of a glorious phase in Dravid's career. After defying his critics with a monumental 376-run partnership with VVS Laxman in the historic Calcutta Test, Dravid's glorious streak continued with double centuries against England, Australia and Pakistan including a brilliant run of centuries in four consecutive innings against England and the West Indies.

Ever the quintessential team man, the unassuming Dravid has also shouldered the responsibility of donning the wicket keeper gloves to allow an extra batsman into the playing eleven for India. Unlike some of predecessors, the onerous task of Indian captaincy has not affected Dravid's sublime batting skills and he has earned accolades for innovative leadership.