The latest edition of the Indian Premier League has just commenced, but already, we have been treated to some fine representation of the sport. While the close games have entertained us, it is the outstanding batting plays that have truly held us hooked.
Of the recent batting extravaganzas, young Indian batsmen have had to play a huge role. The likes of KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, and Mayank Agarwal are relishing their position at the top of the batting pile while youngsters Devdutt Padikkal, Prithvi Shaw, and Shubman Gill are giving them a healthy fight.
It is a time to rejoice for the Indian fans, and at this time, we just can’t thank the man, Rahul Dravid, enough. After he zipped up his cricket kit, Rahul involved himself in developing young Indian cricketers. The latest stars belong to his school, and in this article, we tell you how.
KL Rahul
Ever since he made his international debut, KL Rahul has found it hard to shrug off the ‘Rahul Dravid’ comparisons. Well, we can’t blame him for it. On any powerful search engine, the keywords ‘Rahul’, ‘Karnataka’, ‘Batsman’, and ‘Wicket Keeper’ would inevitably lead to Rahul Dravid. Time and again, KL has mentioned the impact Rahul Dravid has had on his career. While KL was breaking through the ranks in Karnataka cricket, Dravid was at the end of his career, and here is where the ‘KT’ sessions hit a peak. In many talk shows, KL had also said that when he had hit a rough patch in his career, Dravid had helped him out it.
Mayank Agarwal
In Mayank’s case too, Rahul Dravid has had a similar impact. While Mayank started out as a brash T20 opener, it is said that ‘The Wall’ had a major role in softening the rough edges in Mayank’s technique. If you see the KXIP opener these days, we are sure he got his temperament also from the India legend.
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson is one of those lucky cricketers who had direct access to Rahul Dravid in a cricket team. He played alongside Dravid in Rajasthan Royals, and later, was also coached by him. Sanju’s timing is impeccable, and that we can conclude, might have been given a ‘Dravid’ touch somewhere along the line.
Prithvi Shaw
While he comes from the land of the ‘Master Blaster’, Prithvi Shaw’s successful U-19 campaign had Rahul Dravid around it. Dravid coached Shaw and co. in many games, and the result has been some fine development of batting talent in India. Shaw might have also learned a bit or two about leadership and patience from the legend.
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill is often compared to Rahul Dravid. Especially coming to the technique, Gill has always been touted as the legend’s version two. Well, with Rahul himself having a direct influence on Gill, we aren’t surprised by the success the young Punjab batsman is having at the moment. In the coming years too, we are sure Dravid would have a say in Gill’s growth as a batsman.
Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan was the captain of the U19 team that represented India at the World Cup. Rishabh Pant was there in this team as well. Of course, this batch too had some solid guidance from Rahul Dravid. For Rishabh, he even had Rahul’s help at Delhi Daredevils for some time.
Devdutt Padikkal
If you are from Karnataka, there’s no way that Rahul Dravid might not have inspired you. Devdutt Padikkal also falls in this category, and it is said that he has already had some productive conversations with Dravid. That definitely shows in his batting displays so far.
That’s Rahul Dravid for you.
