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{{Short description|Indian coach and former cricketer (born 11 January 1973)}}
{{pp-blp|small=yes}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Infobox cricketer
| name = Rahul Dravid
| image = Rahul Dravid in 2024.jpg
| caption = Dravid in 2024
| country = India
| fullname = Rahul Sharad Dravid
| nickname = The Wall, Mr Dependable<ref>{{cite book|title=Jammy: Advertisers' Mr Dependable|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/Jammy-Advertisers-Mr-Dependable/article20443860.ece|access-date=10 March 2010|publisher=The Hindu Businessline}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1973|1|11|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Indore]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], India
| heightm = 1.80
| batting = Right-handed
| bowling = Right arm [[off break]]
| role = [[Batsman]]
| website = {{URL|www.rahuldravid.com}}
| international = true
| internationalspan = 1996–2012
| testdebutdate = 20 June
| testdebutyear = 1996
| testdebutagainst = England
| testcap = 207
| lasttestdate = 24 January
| lasttestyear = 2012
| lasttestagainst = Australia
| odidebutdate = 3 April
| odidebutyear = 1996
| odidebutagainst = Sri Lanka
| odicap = 95
| lastodidate = 16 September
| lastodiyear = 2011
| lastodiagainst = England
| odishirt = 19
| oneT20I = true
| T20Idebutdate = 31 August
| T20Idebutyear = 2011
| T20Idebutagainst = England
| T20Icap = 38
| T20Ishirt = 19
| club1 = [[Karnataka cricket team|Karnataka]]
| year1 = {{nowrap|1990–2012}}
| club2 = [[Kent County Cricket Club|Kent]]
| year2 = 2000
| club3 = [[Scottish Saltires]]
| year3 = 2003
| club4 = [[Royal Challengers Bangalore]]
| year4 = 2008–2010
| club5 = [[Rajasthan Royals]]
| year5 = 2011–2013
| coachclub1 = [[India national under-19 cricket team|India U-19]]
| coachyear1 = 2015–2021
| coachclub2 = [[India A cricket team|India A]]
| coachyear2 = 2015–2021
| coachclub3 = [[India national cricket team|India]]
| coachyear3 = 2021–2024
| columns = 4
| column1 = [[Test cricket|Test]]
| matches1 = 164
| runs1 = 13,288
| bat avg1 = 52.31
| 100s/50s1 = 36/63
| top score1 = 270
| deliveries1 = 120
| wickets1 = 1
| bowl avg1 = 39.00
| fivefor1 = 0
| tenfor1 = 0
| best bowling1 = 1/18
| catches/stumpings1 = 210/0
| column2 = [[One Day International|ODI]]
| matches2 = 344
| runs2 = 10,889
| bat avg2 = 39.16
| 100s/50s2 = 12/83
| top score2 = 153
| deliveries2 = 186
| wickets2 = 4
| bowl avg2 = 42.50
| fivefor2 = 0
| tenfor2 = 0
| best bowling2 = 2/43
| catches/stumpings2 = 196/14
| column3 = [[First-class cricket|FC]]
| matches3 = 298
| runs3 = 23,794
| bat avg3 = 55.33
| 100s/50s3 = 68/117
| top score3 = 270
| deliveries3 = 617
| wickets3 = 5
| bowl avg3 = 54.60
| fivefor3 = 0
| tenfor3 = 0
| best bowling3 = 2/16
| catches/stumpings3 = 353/1
| column4 = [[List A cricket|LA]]
| matches4 = 449
| runs4 = 15,271
| bat avg4 = 42.30
| 100s/50s4 = 21/112
| top score4 = 153
| deliveries4 = 477
| wickets4 = 4
| bowl avg4 = 105.25
| fivefor4 = 0
| tenfor4 = 0
| best bowling4 = 2/43
| catches/stumpings4 = 233/17
| date = 30 January
| year = 2012
| source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/player/28114.html ESPNcricinfo
| medaltemplates = <!--MENTION HOST NATIONS FOR TEAM SPORTS-->{{MedalSport|Men's [[cricket]]}}
{{MedalCountry|{{IND}}}} as Player
{{MedalCompetition|[[ICC Cricket World Cup]]}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2003 Cricket World Cup|2003 South Africa-Zimbabwe-Kenya]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[ICC Champions Trophy]]}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy|2000 Kenya]]|}}
{{Medal|W|[[2002 ICC Champions Trophy|2002 Sri Lanka]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[ACC Asia Cup]]|}}
{{Medal|RU|[[1997 Asia Cup|1997 Sri Lanka]]|}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2004 Asia Cup|2004 Sri Lanka]]|}}
{{MedalCountry|{{IND}}}} as Coach
{{MedalCompetition|[[World Test Championship]]}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2021–23 ICC World Test Championship|2021–23]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[ICC Cricket World Cup]]}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2023 Cricket World Cup|2023 India]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Men's T20 World Cup|T20 World Cup]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[2024 T20 World Cup|2024 West Indies & United States]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Asia Cup]]|}}
{{Medal|W|[[2023 Asia Cup|2023 Pakistan & Sri Lanka]]|}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup|U19 World Cup]]}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup|2016 Bangladesh]]|}}
{{Medal|W|[[2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup|2018 New Zealand]]|}}
}}
'''Rahul Dravid'''{{efn|{{IPAc-en|audio=Rahul Dravid Pronuncuation.ogg|ˈ|r|ɑː|h|ʊ|l|_|ˈ|d|r|ʌ|v|ɪ|d}} {{respell|RAH|huul|_|DRUV|id}}}} (born 11 January 1973) is an Indian former [[cricket]] player, [[List of India national cricket captains|ex-captain]] and [[List of India national cricket coaches|ex-coach]] of the [[Indian national cricket team]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-13 |title=Rahul Dravid {{!}} Life, Career, Captaincy, Records, Coaching, Awards, & Trivia {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rahul-Dravid |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-30 |title=Rahul Dravid's enduring legacy as coach: From handling smooth transition to shepherding Team India to T20 World Cup triumph |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/rahul-dravid-last-match-india-coach-t20-world-cup-9423358/ |access-date=2024-06-30 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> Known for his outstanding [[Batting (cricket)|batting]] technique,<ref>{{cite news |date=1 August 2016 |title=Extravagantly sound |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mukul-kesavan-on-rahul-dravid-s-technique-258278 |access-date=10 July 2019}}</ref> Dravid scored 24,177 runs in international cricket and is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the [[history of cricket]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/17310407 |title=Is Rahul Dravid the greatest middle-order batsman of all time? |publisher=BBC |date=9 March 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311234247/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/17310407 |archive-date=11 March 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-17309801 |title=The greatness of Rahul Dravid |publisher=BBC |date=9 March 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611000825/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-17309801 |archive-date=11 June 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/slide-show-1-kumble-ganguly-laxman-dhoni-tributes-to-rahul-dravid/20120328.htm |title=The best No. 3 batsman in the world |work=Rediff.com |date=28 March 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224101304/http://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/slide-show-1-kumble-ganguly-laxman-dhoni-tributes-to-rahul-dravid/20120328.htm |archive-date=24 December 2013 }}</ref> He is colloquially known as ''Mr. Dependable'' and often referred to as ''The Wall''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/9-instances-that-prove-the-wall-rahul-dravid-is-a-national-treasure-1628847.html|title=9 Instances That Prove 'The Wall' Rahul Dravid is a National Treasure|date=11 January 2019|website=News18.com|access-date=16 November 2021}}</ref> He won the [[2002 ICC Champions Trophy]] as a member of the Indian team and guided the Indian team to victory in the [[2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup]] as the head coach.
Prior to his appointment to the senior men's national team, Dravid was the Head of Cricket at the [[National Cricket Academy|National Cricket Academy (NCA)]], and the head coach of the [[India national under-19 cricket team|India Under-19]] and [[India A cricket team|India A]] teams. Under his tutelage, the Under-19 team finished as runners-up at the [[2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup]] and won the [[2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup]]. Under his coaching, Indian cricket team finished as runners-up at the [[2023 Cricket World Cup]] and [[2023 ICC World Test Championship final]] and were semifinalist at the [[2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup]].
Dravid was named one of the [[Wisden Cricketers of the Year]] by ''[[Wisden Cricketers' Almanack]]'' in 2000 and received the [[ICC Player of the Year|Player of the Year]] and the Test Player of the Year awards at the inaugural ICC awards ceremony in 2004.<ref>{{cite web |date=5 July 2007 |title=Cricketer of the Year, 2000 – Rahul Dravid |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154389.html |access-date=20 December 2010 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnstar.com/cricket/international-cricket/news/detail/item113474/ICC-Awards:-Look-no-further-Dravid/ |title=ICC Awards: Look no further Dravid |publisher=Espnstar.com |date=5 September 2008 |access-date=20 December 2010 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721090807/http://www.espnstar.com/cricket/international-cricket/news/detail/item113474/ICC-Awards%3A-Look-no-further-Dravid/ |archive-date=21 July 2011}}</ref> In December 2011, he was the first non-Australian cricketer to deliver the [[Bradman Oration]] in [[Canberra]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-03-10/news/31143127_1_cricketer-steve-waugh-sir-donald-bradman-oration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105103812/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-03-10/news/31143127_1_cricketer-steve-waugh-sir-donald-bradman-oration |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 November 2013 |title=Dravid, gentleman and thinking cricketer: Report |date=10 March 2012 |access-date=3 October 2012 |newspaper=The Economic Times |agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref> As of January 2022, he is [[List of test records#Individual records (batting)|the fourth-highest run scorer in Test cricket]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Leading test match run-scorers in international cricket as of January 2022 |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1011344/cricket-test-runs-scored/#:~:text=The%20leading%20run%2Dscorer%20of,spanning%20from%201989%20to%202013.|access-date=21 May 2022}}</ref> and was the first player to score a century in all ten Test-playing countries ([[Test cricket#Teams with Test status|now 12]]).<ref>{{cite web |title=They came, they played, they conquered |url=http://content.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/400765.html |access-date=11 May 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425113614/http://content.cricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/400765.html |archive-date=25 April 2009 }}</ref> He holds the records for the most balls faced in Test cricket and the longest time spent batting in Tests.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/rahul-dravid-india-vs-england-lords-sourav-ganguly-984131-2017-06-22|title=This day that year: Rahul Dravid faced his first ball in Test on June 22, 1996|website=Indiatoday.in|date=22 June 2017 |access-date=3 July 2017}}</ref>
David retired from One Day International and Twenty20 International cricket in August 2011, and from Test and [[first-class cricket]] the following year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rahul Dravid announces retirement from international cricket |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/top-stories/Rahul-Dravid-announces-retirement-from-international-cricket/articleshow/12195477.cms |newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=9 March 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309090436/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/top-stories/Rahul-Dravid-announces-retirement-from-international-cricket/articleshow/12195477.cms |archive-date=9 March 2012 }}</ref> In July 2018, he became the fifth Indian cricketer to be inducted into the [[ICC Hall of Fame]].<ref name="ESPNcricinfo">{{cite news |date=2 July 2018 |title=Ponting, Dravid, Claire Taylor inducted into ICC Hall of Fame |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ricky-ponting-rahul-dravid-claire-taylor-inducted-into-icc-hall-of-fame-1150940}}</ref>
==Early life and education==
Dravid was born to a [[Marathi language|Marathi]]-speaking [[Brahmin]] family<ref name="Meet Rahul Sharad Dravid">{{cite news|title=Meet Rahul Sharad Dravid|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/deep-focus/Meet-Rahul-Sharad-Dravid/articleshow/1675924.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=24 February 2007}}</ref> in [[Indore]], [[Madhya Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Meet Rahul Dravid |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-toi/special-report/Meet-Rahul-Sharad-Dravid/articleshow/1675924.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016145809/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-02-24/special-report/27880064_1_rahul-pushpa-dravid-roger-federer |url-status=live |archive-date=16 October 2012 |access-date=27 March 2007 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=24 February 2007}}</ref> His family later moved to [[Bangalore]], [[Karnataka]], where he was raised.<ref>{{cite web |title=ESPNcricinfo – Players and Officials – Rahul Dravid |url=http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/india/content/player/28114.html |access-date=6 May 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070427172904/http://content-ind.cricinfo.com/india/content/player/28114.html |archive-date=27 April 2007 }}</ref> His mother tongue is [[Marathi language|Marathi]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mag/2004/09/12/stories/2004091200550300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170612114045/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mag/2004/09/12/stories/2004091200550300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2017-06-12 |work=[[The Hindu]] |title=Keeping the windows }}</ref> Dravid's father, Sharad Dravid, worked for a company that produces jams and preserves, giving rise to the later nickname ''Jammy''. His mother, Pushpa, was a professor of [[architecture]] at the [[University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering]] in Bangalore.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.verveonline.com/29/people/rahul/full.shtml |title=People | The Great Wall of India |publisher=Verveonline.com |access-date=20 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716094607/http://www.verveonline.com/29/people/rahul/full.shtml |archive-date=16 July 2011 }}</ref> Dravid has a younger brother named Vijay.<ref name="dravidthewall1">{{cite web |url=http://www.dravidthewall.com/2008/01/his-personal-choices.html |publisher=Dravidthewall |access-date=22 October 2013 |title=Dravid's personal choices |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023055320/http://www.dravidthewall.com/2008/01/his-personal-choices.html |archive-date=23 October 2013 }}</ref>
Rahul Dravid attended [[St. Joseph's Boys High School]] and earned a degree in commerce from [[St Joseph's College of Commerce]].<ref name="dravidthewall1"/> He was selected to [[India national cricket team|India's national cricket team]] while working towards an MBA at the [[St. Joseph's Institute of Management, Bangalore|St Joseph's College of Business Administration]].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Ravichandran Ashwin, Rahul Dravid among most educated Indian cricketers|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/ravichandran-ashwin-rahul-dravid-among-most-educated-indian-cricketers-275140-2015-12-01|magazine=India Today|access-date=1 December 2015}}</ref> He is fluent in Marathi, Kannada, English and Hindi.<ref name="Meet Rahul Sharad Dravid"/>
==Formative years and domestic career==
Dravid started playing cricket at the age of 12 and represented [[Karnataka cricket team|Karnataka]] at the under-15, the under-17, and the under-19 levels.<ref>{{cite web |title=webindia123-Indian personalities-sports-RAHUL DRAVID |url=http://www.webindia123.com/personal/sports/rahul.htm |access-date=6 May 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070810013711/http://www.webindia123.com/personal/sports/rahul.htm |archive-date=10 August 2007 }}</ref> Former cricketer [[Keki Tarapore (coach)|Keki Tarapore]] first noticed Dravid's talent while coaching at a summer camp in the [[Chinnaswamy Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web |title=ESPNcricinfo – Coach Keki Tarapore reflects on pupil Rahul Dravid |url=http://content-www.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/103543.html |access-date=6 May 2007 |archive-date=9 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709124512/http://content-www.cricinfo.com/england/content/story/103543.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Dravid scored a century for his school team.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}} He also played as [[wicket-keeper]].<ref name="dravidthewall1"/>
Dravid made his [[Ranji Trophy]] debut in February 1991, while still attending college.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.4to40.com/legends/print.asp?p=Rahul_Sharad_Dravid&k=Ranji_Trophy |publisher=40to40 |access-date=22 October 2013 |title=Rahul Dravid Ranji debut |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023061911/http://www.4to40.com/legends/print.asp?p=Rahul_Sharad_Dravid&k=Ranji_Trophy |archive-date=23 October 2013 }}</ref> Playing alongside future India teammates [[Anil Kumble]] and [[Javagal Srinath]] against [[Maharashtra cricket team|Maharashtra]] in [[Pune]], he scored 82 runs in the match, which ended in a draw.<ref>{{cite web |title=Maharashtra v Karnataka at Pune, 02-05 Feb 1991 |url=http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1990-91/IND_LOCAL/RANJI/KNOCK-OUTS/MAHA_KNTKA_RJI-PQF2_02-05FEB1991.html|access-date=6 May 2007}}</ref> He followed it up with a century against [[Bengal cricket team|Bengal]] and three successive centuries after.<ref name="Ranji">{{cite news |last1=Jaishankar |first1=Vedam |author-link1=Vedam Jaishankar |title=Dravid: taming the Goliaths of pace |url=http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19970119/01950203.html |access-date=18 October 2018 |work=The Indian Express |date=19 January 1997 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970422040740/http://www.expressindia.com/ie/daily/19970119/01950203.html |archive-date=22 April 1997}}</ref> Dravid's first full season took place in 1991–92, when he scored two centuries and finished up with 380 runs at an average of 63.30,<ref>{{cite web |title=Batting – Most Runs (Ranji trophy 1991–92) |url=http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1991-92/IND_LOCAL/RANJI/STATS/IND_LOCAL_RJI_AVS_BAT_MOST_RUNS.html |access-date=6 May 2007}}</ref> resulting in his selection to the [[South Zone cricket team]] in the [[Duleep Trophy]].<ref>{{cite web |title=South Zone squad 1991–92 |url=http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1991-92/IND_LOCAL/DULEEP/SQUADS/DULEEP_1991-92_SOUTH-SQUAD.html |access-date=6 May 2007}}</ref> Dravid caught the national team selectors' attention with his positive performances for [[India A cricket team|India A]] in the home series against [[England Lions (cricket team)|England A]] in 1994–95.<ref name="Ranji"/>
==International career==
===Debut===
Dravid received his first call to the [[Indian national cricket team]] in October 1994 for the last two matches of the [[Wills World Series]]. However, he could not break into the playing eleven and had to return to the domestic circuit.<ref name="Taking Guard">{{cite book |last1=Prabhudesai |first1=Devendra |title=The Nice Guy Who Finished First: A Biography of Rahul Dravid |date=December 2005 |publisher=[[Rupa & Co.|Rupa Publications]] |___location=New Delhi, Ind |isbn=978-81-291-16505 |pages=2–8 |chapter=Taking Guard}}</ref> Despite a stellar show in domestic cricket, Dravid was not selected for the Indian team for the [[1996 Cricket World Cup|1996 World Cup]], prompting an Indian daily newspaper to run an article with the headline – "Rahul Dravid gets a raw deal".<ref name="The Dravid ODI journey">{{cite web |last1=Somani |first1=Saurabh |title=The Rahul Dravid journey in ODIs |url=http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/44709/the-rahul-dravid-journey-in-odis |website=[[Cricbuzz]] |access-date=20 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820165216/http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/44709/the-rahul-dravid-journey-in-odis |archive-date=20 August 2017 |date=16 September 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
He eventually made his international debut on 3 April 1996 in an ODI against [[Sri Lankan cricket team|Sri Lanka]] in the [[1996 Singer Cup|Singer Cup]] held in [[Padang, Singapore|Singapore]] immediately after the 1996 World Cup, replacing [[Vinod Kambli]].<ref name="Cricinfo Timeline">{{cite web |title=Timeline: Rahul Dravid |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/28114.html?index=timeline |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=23 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713095431/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/28114.html?index=timeline |archive-date=13 July 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="firstpost">{{cite web |title=Rahul Dravid Profile@Firstpost |url=http://www.firstpost.com/topics/rahul-dravid-85633.html |website=[[Firstpost]] |date=16 September 2011 |access-date=16 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117012148/http://www.firstpost.com/topics/rahul-dravid-85633.html |archive-date=17 January 2012}}</ref> He wasn't particularly successful with the bat, scoring only three runs before being dismissed by [[Muttiah Muralitharan]], but took two catches in the match.<ref name=Oracle>{{cite web |title=Player Oracle: Rahul Dravid |url=https://cricketarchive.com/cgi-bin/player_oracle_reveals_results2.cgi?playernumber=2280&testing=0&opponentmatch=exact&playername=dravid&resulttype=All&matchtype=All&teammatch=exact&startwicket=&homeawaytype=All&opponent=&endwicket=&wicketkeeper=&searchtype=InningsList&howout=All&endscore=&playermatch=contains&branding=cricketarchive&captain=&endseason=&startscore=&team=&startseason= |website=CricketArchive |access-date=23 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150823081752/http://cricketarchive.com/cgi-bin/player_oracle_reveals_results2.cgi?playernumber=2280&testing=0&opponentmatch=exact&playername=dravid&resulttype=All&matchtype=All&teammatch=exact&startwicket=&homeawaytype=All&opponent=&endwicket=&wicketkeeper=&searchtype=InningsList&howout=All&endscore=&playermatch=contains&branding=cricketarchive&captain=&endseason=&startscore=&team=&startseason= |archive-date=23 August 2015}}</ref> He followed it up with another failure in the next game, scoring only four runs before being run out against [[Pakistan national cricket team|Pakistan]].<ref name=Oracle />
In contrast to his ODI debut, his Test debut was rather successful. He was selected for the Indian squad touring [[England]] on the backdrop of a consistent performance in domestic cricket for five years.<ref name="Taking Guard" /><ref name="Lords feels like home">{{cite web |author1=Guyer, Julian |title=Lord's feels like home, says Dravid |url=http://www.cricketcountry.com/news/lord-s-feels-like-home-says-dravid-4118 |website=Cricketcountry |access-date=19 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923222713/http://www.cricketcountry.com/news/lord-s-feels-like-home-says-dravid-4118 |archive-date=23 September 2015 |date=20 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Fine performances in the tour games including fifties against [[Gloucestershire County Cricket Club|Gloucestershire]] and [[Leicestershire County Cricket Club|Leicestershire]] failed to earn him a place in the team for the First Test.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Prabhudesai |first1=Devendra |author-link1=Devendra Prabhudesai |title=The Nice Guy Who Finished First: A Biography of Rahul Dravid |date=December 2005 |publisher=[[Rupa & Co.|Rupa Publications]] |___location=New Delhi, Ind |isbn=978-81-291-16505 |pages=13–17}}</ref> He finally made his Test debut at [[Lord's]] on 20 June 1996 against [[English cricket team|England]] in the Second Test of the [[Indian cricket team in England in 1996|series]] at the expense of injured senior batsman [[Sanjay Manjrekar]].<ref name="Cricinfo Timeline" /><ref name="Nice guy debut">{{cite book |last1=Prabhudesai |first1=Devendra |title=The Nice Guy Who Finished First: A Biography of Rahul Dravid |date=December 2005 |publisher=Rupa Publications |isbn=978-81-291-1650-5 |pages=17–18 |chapter=Hero at Headquarters}}</ref> Manjrekar, who was suffering from an ankle injury, was to undergo a fitness test on the morning of the Second Test. Dravid had already been informed that he would play if Manjrekar failed the test. Manjrekar subsequently failed the test. Ten minutes before the toss, [[Sandeep Patil]], the Indian coach, informed Dravid that he was indeed going to make his debut that day. Patil recalled years later:<ref name="Nice guy debut" />
{{blockquote |I told him he will be playing. His face lit up. I cannot forget that moment.}}
Coming in to bat at no. 7, he forged important partnerships, first with another debutante [[Sourav Ganguly]] and then with Indian lower order, securing a vital first innings lead for his team.<ref name="cricinfo batting innings list">{{cite web |title=Dravid's innings-wise batting performance |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=11;template=results;type=batting;view=innings |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=23 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523183807/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=11;template=results;type=batting;view=innings |archive-date=23 May 2019}}</ref><ref name="Golden debuts">{{cite web |last1=Sethuraman |first1=Gautham |title=Golden debuts on this day: Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid at Lord's |url=http://www.khelnama.com/130620/cricket/features/golden-debuts-day-sourav-ganguly-rahul-dravid-lords/10043 |website=Khelnama |access-date=22 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017171232/http://www.khelnama.com/130620/cricket/features/golden-debuts-day-sourav-ganguly-rahul-dravid-lords/10043 |archive-date=17 October 2015 |date=20 June 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Dravid scored 95 runs missing out on a debut hundred as he walked off after getting caught behind to a [[Chris Lewis (cricketer)|Chris Lewis]] delivery.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Prabhudesai |first1=Devendra |author-link1=Devendra Prabhudesai |title=The Nice Guy Who Finished First: A Biography of Rahul Dravid |date=December 2005 |publisher=[[Rupa & Co.|Rupa Publications]] |___location=New Delhi, Ind |isbn=978-81-291-16505 |pages=20–22 |chapter=Hero at Headquarters}}</ref> During this match, he also took his first catch in Test cricket to dismiss [[Nasser Hussain]] off the bowling of [[Javagal Srinath|Srinath]].<ref name="Dravid's innings-wise fielding analysis">{{cite web |title=Dravid's innings-wise fielding analysis |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=11;template=results;type=fielding;view=innings |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=23 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523184531/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=11;template=results;type=fielding;view=innings |archive-date=23 May 2019}}</ref><ref name="Debut Test">{{cite web |title=Scorecard: India tour of England, 1996 – 2nd Test |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/63714.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=23 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812103618/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/63714.html |archive-date=12 August 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In the next tour game against [[British Universities cricket team|British Universities]], Dravid scored a hundred. He scored another fifty in the first innings of the Third Test.<ref name=Oracle /> Dravid concluded a successful debut series with an average of 62.33 from two Test matches.<ref name="series-wise batting performance">{{cite web |title=Dravid's series-wise batting performance |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=11;template=results;type=batting;view=series |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522220208/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=11;template=results;type=batting;view=series |archive-date=22 May 2019}}</ref>
{{Quote box
|quote = I had played five years of first-class cricket to break into the Indian team ... scored a lot of runs in domestic cricket ... was lucky to get the opportunity ... knew that probably it would be the only one. Otherwise I would have to go back to domestic cricket and start the cycle all over again ... I remember when I was 50 not out at the end of the day ... walking back to the hotel with Srinath and I knew somehow that this was probably a very significant innings. I knew I had some more breathing space ... a few more Test matches at least ... gave me a lot of confidence scoring 95 here and 80 at Trent Bridge ... as a player and as a person.
|source = Rahul Dravid, reflecting back on his Test debut 15 years later, during India tour of England, 2011.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gollapudi |first1=Nagraj |title=Dravid returns to where it all began |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-india-2011/content/story/523876.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=27 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924195402/http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-india-2011/content/story/523876.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |date=19 July 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|align = left
}}
{{clear}}
===1996–98===
Dravid's early years in international cricket mirrored his international debut. He had contrasting fortunes in the long and the shorter format of the game. While he was successful in Test cricket, he struggled with ODIs.<ref name="Odi retirement another day in life">{{cite web |last1=Gollapudi |first1=Nagraj |date=15 September 2011 |title=Just another day in Dravid's life |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-india-2011/content/story/532522.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407211255/http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-india-2011/content/story/532522.html |archive-date=7 April 2016 |access-date=10 January 2017 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
After his Test debut in England, Dravid played in the [[Border–Gavaskar Trophy#1996–97 one-off Test|one-off Test]] against [[Australia national cricket team|Australia]] in [[Feroz Shah Kotla Ground|Delhi]] – his first Test in India. Batting at no. 6, he scored 40 runs in the first innings. Dravid batted at no. 3 position for the first time in the First Test of the three-match [[South African cricket team in India in 1996–97#Test series|home series]] against [[South Africa national cricket team|South Africa]] in [[Sardar Patel Stadium, Motera|Ahmedabad]] in November 1996.<ref name="cricinfo batting innings list" /> He failed to perform well in the series, scoring only 175 runs at an average of 29.16.<ref name="series-wise batting performance" />
Two weeks later, India toured [[South Africa]] for a [[Indian cricket team in South Africa in 1996–97|three–match Test series]]. Chasing a target of 395 runs in the First Test, the Indian team got bowled out for 66 runs on the [[Kingsmead Cricket Ground|Durban]] pitch that provided excessive bounce and [[Seam bowling|seam]] movement.<ref>{{cite web |title=Match report: India tour of South Africa 1996/97, First Test |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153324.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105112711/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153324.html |archive-date=5 January 2016 |access-date=19 August 2016 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Dravid, batting at no. 6, was the only Indian batsman who reached double figures in the innings, scoring 27 [[not out]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: India tour of South Africa 1996/97, First Test |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/63736.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=19 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308115300/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/63736.html |archive-date=8 March 2016}}</ref> He was promoted to the no. 3 slot again in the second innings of the Second Test. He almost won the Third Test for India with his maiden test hundred in the first innings, scoring 148 runs and another 81 runs in the second innings at [[Wanderers Stadium|Wanderers]] before the thunderstorms, dim light and [[Daryll Cullinan|Cullinan]]'s hundred helped South Africa draw the match.<ref name="cricinfo batting innings list" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Match Report: India tour of South Africa, 1996/97, Third Test |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/151916.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105112711/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/151916.html |archive-date=5 January 2016 |access-date=19 August 2016 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Dravid's performance in this Test earned him his first Man of the Match award in Test cricket.<ref name="MOTM list">{{cite web |title=List of Man of the Match awards for Rahul Dravid in international cricket |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=11;template=results;type=allround;view=awards_match |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=23 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523210834/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=11;template=results;type=allround;view=awards_match |archive-date=23 May 2019}}</ref> He top scored for India in the series with 277 runs at an average of 55.40.<ref name="Most runs: India in South Africa Test series, 1996/97">{{cite web |title=Most runs: India in South Africa Test series, 1996/97 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=380;type=series |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=12 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105112712/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=380%3Btype%3Dseries |archive-date=5 January 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Dravid continued in the same vein in the [[West Indies]], where he once again top scored for India in the [[Indian cricket team in West Indies in 1996–97|five–match Test series]], aggregating 360 runs at an average of 72.00, including four fifties.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: India in West Indies, Test series, 1996/97 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=383;type=series |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=21 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017171233/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=383%3Btype%3Dseries |archive-date=17 October 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 92 runs scored in the first innings of the fifth match in [[Bourda|Georgetown]] earned him a joint Man of the Match award along with [[Shivnarine Chanderpaul]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: India tour of West Indies, 1996/97, Fifth Test |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/63749.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=21 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308115409/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/63749.html |archive-date=8 March 2016}}</ref> With this series, Dravid concluded the 1996-97 Test season, topping the international runs chart with 852 runs from 12 matches at an average of 50.11, with six fifties and a hundred.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: 1996/97 Test season |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;season=1996%2F97;template=results;type=batting |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=21 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105112712/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1%3Bseason%3D1996%2F97%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dbatting |archive-date=5 January 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Dravid continued his successful run, scoring seven fifties in the next eight Tests that included fifties in six consecutive innings (three each against Sri Lanka and Australia), becoming only the second Indian to do so after [[Gundappa Vishwanath]].<ref name="cricinfo batting innings list" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Most fifties in consecutive Test innings |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283043.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=31 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925235319/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283043.html |archive-date=25 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> By the end of 1997-98 Test season, he had scored 15 fifties in 22 Tests including four scores of nineties but just one hundred.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dravid in Tests till 1997/98 Test season |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=1;filter=advanced;orderby=start;season=1996;season=1996%2F97;season=1997;season=1997%2F98;template=results;type=batting;view=innings |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=31 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920132508/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=1;filter=advanced;orderby=start;season=1996;season=1996%2F97;season=1997;season=1997%2F98;template=results;type=batting;view=innings |archive-date=20 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
During the 1998-99 Test season, Dravid scored 752 runs in seven Tests at an average of 62.66, that included four hundreds and one fifty. In the process, he topped the runs chart for India for the season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Indian batting in 1998/99 Test season |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;orderby=runs;season=1998%2F99;team=6;template=results;type=batting |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=24 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824204054/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1%3Borderby%3Druns%3Bseason%3D1998%2F99%3Bteam%3D6%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dbatting |archive-date=24 August 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He scored the first of the four hundreds during the Zimbabwe tour.<ref name="cricinfo batting innings list" /> Dravid top scored in both innings against [[Zimbabwe cricket team|Zimbabwe]], scoring 118 and 44 runs respectively; however, India lost the [[Indian cricket team in Zimbabwe in 1998|one-off Test]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: India in Zimbabwe, 1998/99, Only Test |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/63813.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=23 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505122755/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/63813.html |archive-date=5 May 2016}}</ref>
The Zimbabwe tour was followed by a tour to [[New Zealand]]. The First Test having been abandoned without a ball being bowled,<ref name="Ind in NZ 1998 results">{{cite web |title=Results: India in New Zealand, 1998/99 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/62318.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=19 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801163426/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/62318.html |archive-date=1 August 2017}}</ref> the [[Indian cricket team in New Zealand in 1998–99|series]] started for Dravid with the first [[Duck (cricket)|duck]] of his Test career in the first innings of the Second Test and ended with hundreds in both innings of the Third Test in [[Seddon Park|Hamilton]]. He scored 190 and 103 not out in the first and the second innings respectively, becoming only the third Indian batsman, after [[Vijay Hazare]] and [[Sunil Gavaskar]], to score a century in both innings of a Test match.<ref name="Oracle" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Match Report: India in New Zealand, 1998/99, Third Test |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153416.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305022649/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153416.html |archive-date=5 March 2016 |access-date=24 August 2016 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Dravid topped the runs table for the series with 321 runs at an average of 107.00, although India lost the series 0–1.<ref name="Ind in NZ 1998 results" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: India in New Zealand, Test series, 1998/99 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=410;type=series |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=19 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801211706/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=410%3Btype%3Dseries |archive-date=1 August 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Later that month, India played a two Test [[Pakistani cricket team in India in 1998–99|home series]] against Pakistan. Dravid didn't contribute much with the bat. India lost the First Test but won the Second Test in Delhi with [[Anil Kumble|Kumble]]'s historic [[10-wicket haul]]. Dravid played his part in the 10-wicket haul by taking a catch to dismiss [[Mushtaq Ahmed (cricketer)|Mushtaq Ahmed]], who was Kumble's eighth victim in the innings.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: Pakistan in India, 1998/99, First Test |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/63828.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=25 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307190518/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/63828.html |archive-date=7 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: Pakistan in India, 1998/99, Second Test |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/63829.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=25 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502081854/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/63829.html |archive-date=2 May 2016}}</ref> The India-Pakistan Test series was followed by the [[1998–99 Asian Test Championship]]. India went on to lose the riot-affected First Test of the championship against Pakistan at the [[Eden Gardens]].<ref name="Oracle" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Match Report: Asian Test Championship 1998/99, First Test, Ind vs Pak |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153757.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507040515/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153757.html |archive-date=7 May 2016 |access-date=30 August 2016 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> India went to [[Sri Lanka]] to play the Second Test of the championship. Dravid scored his fourth hundred of the season at [[Sinhalese Sports Club Ground|Colombo]] in the first innings of the match. He also effected a successful run out of [[Russel Arnold]] during Sri Lankan innings fielding at short leg. On the fourth morning, Dravid was injured while fielding at the same position when the ball from [[Mahela Jayawardene|Jayawardene]]'s pull shot struck his face through the helmet grill. He didn't come out to bat in the second innings due to the injury.<ref>{{cite web |author1=S Jagadish |author2=Rick Eyre |title=Match Report: Asian Test Championship 1998/99, Second Test, SL vs Ind |url=http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1998-99/ASIA-TEST/SCORECARDS/SL_IND_ASIA-TEST_T2_24-28FEB1999_CI365_MR.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304204345/http://static.espncricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/1998-99/ASIA-TEST/SCORECARDS/SL_IND_ASIA-TEST_T2_24-28FEB1999_CI365_MR.html |archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> The match ended in a draw as India failed to qualify for the Finals of the championship.<ref>{{cite web |title=Results: Asian Test Championship 1998/99 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/60671.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=30 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312213138/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/60671.html |archive-date=12 March 2016}}</ref>
In a stark contrast to his Test career, Dravid struggled to make a mark in the ODIs.<ref name="Odi retirement another day in life" /> Between his ODI debut in April 1996 and the end of 1998, Dravid regularly found himself in and out of the ODI team.<ref name="Dravid ruled out of odi poor form">{{cite web |last1=Gupta |first1=Rajneesh |title=When poor form ruled Dravid out |url=http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2007/oct/17stats.htm |work=[[Rediff.com]] |access-date=10 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080422062254/http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2007/oct/17stats.htm |archive-date=22 April 2008 |date=17 October 2007}}</ref>
Dravid's first success in his ODI career took place in the [[1996 'Friendship' Cup]] against Pakistan in the tough conditions of [[Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club Ground|Toronto]].<ref name="unlikely star of odis">{{cite web |author1=S Rajesh |date=16 September 2011 |title=An unlikely star of the 50-over format |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/the-numbers-game-rahul-dravid-unlikely-star-of-the-50-over-format-532509 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105112711/http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/532509.html |archive-date=5 January 2016 |access-date=11 January 2017 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> He emerged as the highest scorer of the series with 220 runs in five matches at an average of 44.00 and a strike rate of 68.53.<ref>{{cite web |title=Top scorers: Sahara 'Friendship' Cup 1996 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=730;type=series |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=11 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105112712/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=730%3Btype%3Dseries |archive-date=5 January 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He won his first ODI Man of the Match award for the 46 runs scored in the low scoring third game of the series.<ref name="MOTM list" /> He top scored for India in the [[Standard Bank International One-Day Series 1996/97]] in South Africa with 280 runs from eight games at an average of 35.00 and a strike rate of 60.73,<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: Standard Bank International One Day series, 1996/97 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=739;type=tournament |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=12 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105112712/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=739%3Btype%3Dtournament |archive-date=5 January 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> the highlight being a Man of the Match award-winning performance (84 runs, one catch) in the Final of the series, although his team lost the match.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: Final, Standard Bank International One Day series, 1996/97 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/66078.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=12 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417093102/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/66078.html |archive-date=17 April 2016}}</ref> He was the second highest run scorer for India in the [[Indian cricket team in the West Indies in 1996–97#ODI series|four-match bilateral ODI series]] in the West Indies in the 1996–97 season with 121 runs at an average of 40.33 and a strike rate of 57.61.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: India in West Indies ODI series, 1996/97 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=745;type=series |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=13 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105112712/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=745%3Btype%3Dseries |archive-date=5 January 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Dravid scored his first ODI hundred in the [[1997 Pepsi Independence Cup]] against Pakistan in [[M. A. Chidambaram Stadium|Chennai]] that came in a losing cause.<ref>{{cite web |title=Match report: 6th match, Pepsi Independence Cup 1997, IND vs PAK |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/151400.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160224182916/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/151400.html |archive-date=24 February 2016 |access-date=13 January 2017 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: 6th match, Pepsi Independence Cup 1997, IND vs PAK |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/66113.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=13 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907034742/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/66113.html |archive-date=7 September 2016}}</ref> Dravid top scored for India in the quadrangular event with 189 runs from three games at an average of 94.50 and a strike rate of 75.60. However, India failed to qualify for the Final of the series.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: Pepsi Independence Cup 1997 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=746;type=tournament |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=13 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101044144/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=746%3Btype%3Dtournament |archive-date=1 November 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Result summary: Pepsi Independence Cup 1997 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/61005.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=13 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124201832/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/61005.html |archive-date=24 November 2016}}</ref>
Dravid's achievements in the ODIs were dwarfed by his failures in the shorter format of the game. 14 runs from two games in the [[1996 Pepsi Sharjah Cup]]; 20 runs from two innings in the [[Singer World Series]]; 65 runs from four innings in the [[1997 'Friendship' Cup]]; 88 runs from four games in the [[1998 Coca-Cola Triangular Series]] including a 22-ball five runs and a 21-ball one run innings, both against [[Bangladesh national cricket team|Bangladesh]]; 32 runs from four games in the [[1998 'Friendship' Cup]];<ref name="cricinfo batting innings list" /><ref name="series-wise batting performance" /> a slew of such poor performances often forced him to the sidelines of the India ODI squad.<ref name="Dravid ruled out of odi poor form" /> By the end of 1998, Dravid had scored 1,709 runs in 65 ODIs at an average of only 31.64 with a low strike rate of 63.48.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dravid in ODIs: Debut-1998 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=2;spanmax1=31+dec+1998;spanval1=span;template=results;type=batting |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326192118/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=2%3Bspanmax1%3D31%2Bdec%2B1998%3Bspanval1%3Dspan%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dbatting |archive-date=26 March 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
By now, Dravid had been branded as a Test specialist. While he continued a successful run in Test cricket, he struggled in the ODIs. He drew criticism for not being able to adjust his style of play to the needs of ODI cricket and his lack of attacking capability. Dravid subsequently increased his range of strokes and adapted his batting style to suit the requirements of ODI cricket. He learned to pace his innings cleverly without going for [[Batting (cricket)#Slog and slog sweep|the slogs]].<ref name="The Dravid ODI journey" /><ref name="Odi retirement another day in life" /><ref name="unlikely star of odis" />
Dravid's ODI success began during the 1998-99 New Zealand tour.<ref name="The Dravid ODI journey" /> He scored a run-a-ball hundred in the first match of the [[Indian cricket team in New Zealand in 1998–99#ODIs|bilateral ODI series]] that earned him his third Man of the Match award in ODIs.<ref name="cricinfo batting innings list" /><ref name="MOTM list" /> His team lost the match.<ref name="Oracle" /> However, his effort of 51 runs from 71 balls in the Fourth ODI resulted in India's victory and earned him his second Man of the Match award of the series.<ref name="cricinfo batting innings list" /><ref name="MOTM list" /> He became the top scorer of the series with 309 runs from five games at an average of 77.25 and a strike rate of 84.65.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: India in New Zealand ODI series, 1998/99 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=778;type=series |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=17 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105112712/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=778%3Btype%3Dseries |archive-date=5 January 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Dravid scored a hundred against Sri Lanka in the [[1998–99 Pepsi Cup|1998/99 Pepsi Cup]] at [[Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground|Nagpur]], scoring 116 of 118 deliveries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Match report: 2nd match, Pepsi Cup 1998/99, Ind vs SL |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/151609.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150719002307/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/151609.html |archive-date=19 July 2015 |access-date=18 January 2017 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> In the next match against Pakistan, he bowled four overs and took the wicket of [[Saeed Anwar]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: 3rd match, Pepsi Cup 1998/99, Ind vs Pak |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8562/scorecard/66213/India-vs-Pakistan-3rd-Match-Pepsi-Cup |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822200121/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8562/scorecard/66213/India-vs-Pakistan-3rd-Match-Pepsi-Cup |archive-date=22 August 2017}}</ref> This was his first wicket in international cricket.<ref name="Oracle" />
Dravid scored two fifties in the [[1998–99 Coca-Cola Cup]] in [[Sharjah Cricket Stadium|Sharjah]], one each against England and Pakistan.<ref name="cricinfo batting innings list" /> Standing-in as the substitute wicket-keeper in the third match of the series for [[Nayan Mongia]], who was injured during keeping, Dravid effected two dismissals. He first stumped [[Graeme Hick]] off [[Sunil Joshi]]'s bowling, who became Dravid's first victim as a wicket-keeper, and then caught [[Neil Fairbrother]] off [[Ajay Jadeja]]'s bowling.<ref name="Dravid's innings-wise fielding analysis" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: 3rd match, Coca-Cola Cup 1998/99, Eng vs Ind |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8534/scorecard/65777/England-vs-India-3rd-Match-Coca-Cola-Cup |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822201837/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8534/scorecard/65777/England-vs-India-3rd-Match |archive-date=22 August 2017}}</ref> He top scored for India in the tournament,<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: Coca-Cola Cup 1998/99 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=785;type=tournament |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=19 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122195848/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=785%3Btype%3Dtournament |archive-date=22 November 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> though his last innings of the series was a golden duck against Pakistan in the Final.<ref name="cricinfo batting innings list" />
===
{{Main|1999 Cricket World Cup}}
Dravid hit consecutive fifties in England against Leicestershire and [[Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club|Nottinghamshire]] in the warm-up games.<ref name="Oracle" />
He made his World Cup debut against South Africa at [[County Cricket Ground, Hove|Hove]], scoring a half century. He scored only 13 runs in the next game against Zimbabwe.<ref name="Dravid in 1999 WC">{{cite web |title=Dravid's performance in ICC World Cup 1999 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=2;filter=advanced;series=787;template=results;type=allround;view=innings |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=21 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121115519/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=2%3Bfilter%3Dadvanced%3Bseries%3D787%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dallround%3Bview%3Dinnings |archive-date=21 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> India lost both the games.<ref name="1999 WC results">{{cite web |title=Result summary: ICC World Cup 1999 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/61046.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=21 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124213504/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/61046.html |archive-date=24 November 2016}}</ref> Having lost the first two games, India needed to win the remaining three games of the first round to have any chance of advancing into the [[1999 Cricket World Cup#Super Six stage|Super Six stage]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Indians throw thriller away |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/1999_cricket_world_cup/general_news/342231.stm |website=[[BBC News]] |access-date=21 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121173647/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/1999_cricket_world_cup/general_news/342231.stm |archive-date=21 January 2017}}</ref> Dravid set up a [[Partnership (cricket)|partnership]] with [[Sachin Tendulkar]], during which they scored 237 runs against [[Kenya national cricket team|Kenya]] at [[County Cricket Ground, Bristol|Bristol]] – a World Cup record – and in the process hit his maiden World Cup hundred, leading India to a 94-run victory.<ref>{{cite web |title=Match report: 9th Group A match, ICC World Cup 1999, Ind vs Ken |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/151495.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105112712/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/151495.html |archive-date=5 January 2016 |access-date=22 January 2017 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> India's designated keeper Nayan Mongia was injured and left the field at the end of the 9th [[Over (cricket)|over]] during Kenyan innings, forcing Dravid to keep the wickets for the rest of the innings.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: 15th match, ICC World Cup 1999, Ind vs Ken |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8039/scorecard/65207/India-vs-Kenya-15th-Match |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=1 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808004708/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8039/scorecard/65207/India-vs-Kenya-15th-Match |archive-date=8 August 2017}}</ref> In the absence of Mongia, Dravid played his first ODI as a designated keeper against Sri Lanka at [[County Ground, Taunton|Taunton]].<ref name="Dravid as keeper match list">{{cite web |title=Dravid's appearances as designated keeper in ODIs |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=2;filter=advanced;keeper=1;orderby=default;template=results;type=allround;view=match |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122120158/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=2%3Bfilter%3Dadvanced%3Bkeeper%3D1%3Borderby%3Ddefault%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dallround%3Bview%3Dmatch |archive-date=22 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Dravid once again set up a record breaking partnership of 318 runs, the first ever three hundred run partnership in ODI history, with Sourav Ganguly leading India to a 157-run win.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dravid & Ganguly partner to World Cup best in '99 |url=http://www.icc-cricket.com/cricket-world-cup/greatest-100-moments/97/dravid-ganguly-partner-to-world-cup-best-in-99 |website=icc-cricket.com |access-date=22 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104124625/http://www.icc-cricket.com/cricket-world-cup/greatest-100-moments/97/dravid-ganguly-partner-to-world-cup-best-in-99 |archive-date=4 January 2015}}</ref> Dravid scored 145 runs from 129 balls with 17 fours and a six, becoming the second batsman in World Cup history to hit back-to-back hundreds.<ref>{{cite web |title=Indian record-breakers crush holders |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/1999_cricket_world_cup/general_news/353834.stm |website=[[BBC News]] |access-date=22 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306003747/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/1999_cricket_world_cup/general_news/353834.stm |archive-date=6 March 2016}}</ref> Dravid scored a fifty in the last group match as India defeated England to advance to the Super Six stage.<ref>{{cite web |title=England crash out |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/1999_cricket_world_cup/general_news/342248.stm |website=[[BBC News]] |access-date=22 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122184858/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/1999_cricket_world_cup/general_news/342248.stm |archive-date=22 January 2017}}</ref> Dravid scored 2, 61, and 29 in the three Super Six matches against Australia, Pakistan & [[New Zealand national cricket team|New Zealand]] respectively.<ref name="Dravid in 1999 WC" /> India failed to qualify for the semi-finals, having lost to Australia and New Zealand. They achieved a consolation victory against Pakistan in a tense game that took place during the [[Kargil War]] in [[Kashmir]].<ref name="1999 WC results" /><ref>{{cite web |title=India triumph in Pakistan Cup clash |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/1999_cricket_world_cup/general_news/361220.stm |website=[[BBC News]] |access-date=22 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170122191448/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/1999_cricket_world_cup/general_news/361220.stm |archive-date=22 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Kiwis charge into semi-finals |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/1999_cricket_world_cup/general_news/361224.stm |website=[[BBC News]] |access-date=28 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128185036/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sport/1999_cricket_world_cup/general_news/361224.stm |archive-date=28 January 2017}}</ref> Dravid emerged as the top scorer of the tournament with 461 runs from 8 games at an average of 65.85 and a strike rate of 85.52.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: ICC World Cup, 1999 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=787;type=tournament |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122195921/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=787%3Btype%3Dtournament |archive-date=22 November 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Dravid's post-World Cup campaign started poorly with only 40 runs scored in 4 games during the [[1999 Aiwa Cup|Aiwa Cup]] in August 1999.<ref name="Oracle" /> He soon top-scored for India in two consecutive limited-overs series – the [[1999 Singapore Challenge|Singapore Challenge]], the highlight being a hundred in the Final (despite their loss),<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: Coca-Cola Singapore Challenge, 1999 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=789;type=tournament |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=23 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006192046/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=789%3Btype%3Dtournament |archive-date=6 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: Final, Coca-Cola Singapore Challenge 1999, Ind vs WI |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/66236.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=23 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216205656/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/66236.html |archive-date=16 December 2016}}</ref> and the [[1999 DCM Cup|DMC Cup]], the highlight being a match winning effort (77 runs, 4 catches) in the series decider for which he received a man-of-the-match award.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: DMC Cup, 1999 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=790;type=series |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=23 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123191333/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=790%3Btype%3Dseries |archive-date=23 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Siddiqui |first1=Latafat Ali |title=India defeat West Indies to win series |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/83920.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408154337/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/83920.html |archive-date=8 April 2016 |access-date=23 January 2017 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Dravid topped the international runs chart for the 1999 cricket season across all formats, scoring 782 runs during 19 matches.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs in 1999 cricket season |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=11;season=1999;template=results;type=batting |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=25 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525063602/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=11;season=1999;template=results;type=batting |archive-date=25 May 2019}}</ref> By now, Dravid had started to keep wickets on an infrequent basis, with India fielding him as designated wicket-keeper in five out of 10 ODIs played in the three events.<ref name="Dravid as keeper match list" />
Dravid began his post-World Cup Test season with a decent outing against New Zealand in the [[New Zealand cricket team in India in 1999–2000#Test series|3-match home series]]. His best effort during the series came in the second innings of the First test at [[Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium|Mohali]], where he scored 144 runs, helping India salvage a draw after being bowled out for 83 runs in the First innings.<ref>{{cite web |title=Match report: 1st Test, New Zealand in India Test series, 1999/00 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153853.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312031053/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/153853.html |archive-date=12 March 2015 |access-date=23 January 2017 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> This was Dravid's sixth test hundred and his first test hundred in India.<ref name="cricinfo batting innings list" /> Dravid was successful in the 3–2 series win against New Zealand during the bilateral ODI series, scoring 240 runs in 5 games at an average of 60 and a strike rate of 83.62, ending as the second highest scorer in the series.<ref name="Oracle" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: New Zealand in India ODI series, 1999/00 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=796;type=series |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=24 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124114232/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=796%3Btype%3Dseries |archive-date=24 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> His career best effort in ODIs came in this series in the second game at [[Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Hyderabad|Hyderabad]] where he scored run-a-ball 153 runs, which included fifteen fours and two sixes.<ref name="cricinfo batting innings list" /> He set up a 331-run partnership with Tendulkar, highest partnership in ODI cricket history at the time, a record they held for 15 years until it was broken in 2015.<ref name="ODI highest partnerships">{{cite web |title=Highest partnerships for any wicket in ODIs |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283574.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=24 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109102237/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/records/283574.html |archive-date=9 November 2016}}</ref> In 1999, Dravid scored 1,761 runs in 43 ODIs at an average of 46.34 and a strike rate of 75.16, including 6 hundreds and 8 fifties. He also featured in two 300+ run partnerships.<ref name="ODI highest partnerships" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Dravid in ODIs in the year 1999 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=2;filter=advanced;orderby=default;spanmax1=31+Dec+1999;spanmin1=1+Jan+1999;spanval1=span;template=results;type=batting |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=24 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124120838/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=2%3Bfilter%3Dadvanced%3Borderby%3Ddefault%3Bspanmax1%3D31%2BDec%2B1999%3Bspanmin1%3D1%2BJan%2B1999%3Bspanval1%3Dspan%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dbatting |archive-date=24 January 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
India toured [[Australia]] in December 1999 for a 3-match test series and a triangular ODI tournament. Although Dravid scored a hundred against [[Tasmania cricket team|Tasmania]] in the practice match, he underperformed with the bat in the Test series as India lost [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 1999–2000|0–3]]. He did reasonably well in the [[1999–2000 Carlton & United Series]], scoring 3 fifties in the triangular event. However, India failed to qualify for the Final of the tournament.<ref name="Oracle" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Result Summary: India tour of Australia, 1999/00 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/62297.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=24 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105064747/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/62297.html |archive-date=5 January 2016}}</ref>
Dravid's poor form in Tests continued as India suffered a [[South African cricket team in India in 1999–2000|0–2 whitewash]] against South Africa in a home series.<ref name="Oracle" /> He had moderate success in the [[South African cricket team in India in 1999–2000#ODIs|bilateral ODI series]] against South Africa. He contributed to India's 3–2 series win with 208 runs at an average of 41.60, which included 2 fifties and three wickets at an average of 22.66, topping the bowling average chart for the series.<ref name="Oracle" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Bowling statistics: South Africa in India, ODI series, 1999/00 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=804;type=series |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=11 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024231435/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/bowling/most_wickets_career.html?id=804;type=series |archive-date=24 October 2017}}</ref> His career best bowling figure of 2/43 from nine overs in the First ODI at [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Kochi)|Kochi]] was also the best bowling figure for any bowler in that match.<ref name="Oracle" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: South Africa in India, 1999/00, First ODI |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15711/scorecard/64657/india-vs-south-africa-1st-odi-south-africa-tour-of-india-1999-00 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=11 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829090634/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15711/scorecard/64657/india-vs-south-africa-1st-odi-south-africa-tour-of-india-1999-00 |archive-date=29 August 2018 |date=9 March 2000}}</ref>
===Rise through the ranks===
In February 2000, Tendulkar's resignation from captaincy led to the promotion of Ganguly, the then-vice-captain, as the new captain of the Indian team.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ramchand |first1=Partab |date=26 February 2000 |title=Ganguly captain for one dayers, Indian team for second Test |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ganguly-captain-for-one-dayers-indian-team-for-second-test-87638 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803223520/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/87638.html |archive-date=3 August 2017 |access-date=11 September 2018 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> In May 2000, while Dravid was busy playing [[county cricket]] in England, he was appointed as the vice-captain of the [[2000 Asia Cup|Asia cup]] Indian team.<ref name="Dravid appointed vice captain">{{cite news |last1=Weaver |first1=Paul |title=Kent cry foul as Dravid leads Indian exodus |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2000/may/24/cricket |access-date=17 May 2019 |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=24 May 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140509070816/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2000/may/24/cricket |archive-date=9 May 2014}}</ref>
India did well in the [[2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy]]. The Indian team, marred by a [[South Africa cricket match fixing|match fixing]] controversy, defeated Kenya, Australia, and South Africa in consecutive matches to reach the Finals. India lost to New Zealand in the Finals.<ref name="2000 knock out">{{cite book |last1=Prabhudesai |first1=Devendra |title=The Nice Guy Who Finished First: A Biography of Rahul Dravid |date=December 2005 |publisher=Rupa Publications |___location=New Delhi, Ind |isbn=978-81-291-16505 |pages=84–88 |chapter=Kent, And The Coliseum}}</ref> Dravid scored 157 runs in 4 matches of the tournament, at an average of 52.33, including 2 fifties.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: ICC Knockout Tournament, 2000/01 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/iccct2000/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=814;type=tournament |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=12 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613184346/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/iccct2000/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=814;type=tournament |archive-date=13 June 2018}}</ref> He also scored 85 runs in a match against Zimbabwe in the 2000–01 Coca-Cola Champions Trophy while opening the innings but was forced to miss the rest of the tournament because of an injury.<ref name="2000 knock out" />
India kick started the new Test season with a [[Indian cricket team in Bangladesh in 2000–01|9-wicket win]] against Bangladesh. Dravid played a brisk knock of 41 runs from 49 balls, including five fours and a six, while chasing a target of 63 runs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: Only Test, India in Bangladesh, 2000/01 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15597/scorecard/63898/bangladesh-vs-india-only-test-india-tour-of-bangladesh-2000-01 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=12 September 2018}}</ref> The ensuing [[Zimbabwean cricket team in India in 2000–01#Test series|test series]] against Zimbabwe was [[John Wright (cricketer, born 1954)|John Wright]]'s first assignment as Indian coach. Dravid, who had recently concluded a county stint with Kent, had interacted with and recognized Wright's potential, who was coaching Kent cricket team at the time and played a key role in recommendation and appointment of Wright as India's first foreign head coach. Dravid scored 200 not out in the first and 70 not out in the second innings of the First Test, guiding India to a 9-wicket victory against Zimbabwe.<ref name="2000 knock out" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Mustafi |first1=Suvajit |title=Sourav Ganguly credits Rahul Dravid for John Wright's appointment as India's coach |url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/sourav-ganguly-credits-rahul-dravid-for-john-wrights-appointment-as-indias-coach-690465 |website=CricketCountry |access-date=12 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310194833/https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/sourav-ganguly-credits-rahul-dravid-for-john-wrights-appointment-as-indias-coach-690465 |archive-date=10 March 2018 |date=6 March 2018}}</ref> He scored 162 in the drawn Second test to end the series with an average of 432.00, the highest batting average by an Indian in a series across all formats (international and non-international).<ref name="Oracle" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Verma |first1=Devarchit |title=Naman Ojha narrowly misses out on beating Rahul Dravid's feat during India A's tour of Australia 2014 |url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/naman-ojha-narrowly-misses-out-on-beating-rahul-dravids-feat-during-india-as-tour-of-australia-2014-158310 |website=CricketCountry |access-date=12 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419214955/https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/naman-ojha-narrowly-misses-out-on-beating-rahul-dravids-feat-during-india-as-tour-of-australia-2014-158310 |archive-date=19 April 2015 |date=15 July 2014}}</ref>
Dravid captained the Indian team for the first time in the fifth match of the [[Zimbabwean cricket team in India in 2000–01#ODI series|bilateral ODI series]] against Zimbabwe in the absence of Ganguly, who was serving suspension.<ref name="2000 knock out" /> With [[Ajit Agarkar|Agarkar]]'s successful performance, Dravid led India to a 39-run victory in his maiden ODI as captain.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: 5th ODI, Zimbabwe in India, 2000/01 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15599/scorecard/64684/india-vs-zimbabwe-5th-odi-zimbabwe-tour-of-india-2000-01 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=12 September 2018 |date=14 December 2000}}</ref>
In January 2004, Dravid was found guilty of ball tampering during an ODI with Zimbabwe. Match referee [[Clive Lloyd]] adjudged the application of an energy sweet to the ball as a deliberate offence, although Dravid himself denied this was his intent. Lloyd emphasised that television footage caught Dravid putting a lozenge on the ball during the Zimbabwean innings on Tuesday night at the Gabba. According to the ICC's Code of Conduct, players are not allowed to apply substances to a ball other than sweat and saliva. Dravid was fined half of his match fee.<ref name="SMH">{{cite news |date=22 January 2004 |title=Ball tampering was deliberate, says Lloyd |url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/01/21/1074360836935.html?from=storyrhs%20Dravid%20ball-tampering%20incident%20SMH |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106142613/http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/01/21/1074360836935.html?from=storyrhs%20Dravid%20ball-tampering%20incident%20SMH |archive-date=6 November 2012 |access-date=31 July 2010 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> Indian coach [[John Wright (cricketer, born 1954)|John Wright]] defended Dravid, stating that "It was an innocent mistake". Wright argued that Dravid had been trying to apply saliva to the ball when parts of a losenge he had been chewing stuck to the ball; Dravid then tried to wipe it off. ICC regulations prevented Dravid from commenting about the issue, but former Indian captain [[Sourav Ganguly]] also stated that Dravid's act was "just an accident".<ref name="ESPNcric">{{cite web |title=Wright defends Dravid in ball-tampering case |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/wright-defends-dravid-in-ball-tampering-case-137724 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303152949/http://www.cricinfo.com/wc2007/content/story/137724.html |archive-date=3 March 2010 |access-date=31 July 2010 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
===History at Eden===
The Australian team toured India, touted as 'Final Frontier' by Steve Waugh for his team that was on a 15-match winning streak, in February 2001.<ref name="Nice guy Aus. 2001 tour">{{cite book |last1=Prabhudesai |first1=Devendra |title=The Nice Guy Who Finished First: A Biography of Rahul Dravid |date=December 2005 |publisher=Rupa Publications |___location=New Delhi, Ind |isbn=978-81-291-16505 |pages=90–96 |chapter=Kent, And The Coliseum}}</ref> Dravid performed poorly in the first innings of the First Test but displayed strong resilience in the second innings. His 196-ball-long resistance finally ended when he got out bowled to Warne for 39 runs. Australians extended their winning streak to 16 Tests as they defeated India by 10 wickets inside three days.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sethuraman |first1=Mahesh |date=27 February 2013 |title=Mumbai '01 – An underrated classic |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/mahesh-sethuraman-on-the-2001-mumbai-test-an-underrated-classic-622792 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914111434/http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22034255/mahesh-sethuraman-2001-mumbai-test-underrated-classic |archive-date=14 September 2018 |access-date=14 September 2018 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: First Test, Australia in India, 2000/01 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15565/scorecard/63919/india-vs-australia-1st-test-australia-tour-of-india-2000-01 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707012138/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15565/scorecard/63919/india-vs-australia-1st-test-australia-tour-of-india-2000-01 |archive-date=7 July 2018}}</ref>
During the Second Test at Eden Gardens, the Australians bowled India out for 171 runs in the first innings and enforced a follow-on after securing a lead of 274 runs. In the second innings, [[V. V. S. Laxman|Laxman]], who had scored a fifty in the first innings, was promoted to the no. 3 position which had been Dravid's usual spot, while Dravid, who had gotten bowled out to Warne for a second time in a row in the first innings for just 25 runs, was relegated to no. 6 position. When Dravid joined Laxman in the middle on the third day of the Test the scoreboard read 232/4, with India still needing 42 runs to avoid an innings defeat.<ref name="Nice guy Aus. 2001 tour" /><ref name="VVS LAxman best">{{cite web |last1=Burnett |first1=Adam |title=The Best of VVS Laxman |url=https://www.cricket.com.au/news/legends-month-vvs-laxman-australia-india-kolkata-2001-rahul-dravid-harbhajan/2018-05-29 |access-date=14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729015819/https://www.cricket.com.au/news/legends-month-vvs-laxman-australia-india-kolkata-2001-rahul-dravid-harbhajan/2018-05-29 |archive-date=29 July 2018 |date=29 May 2018}}</ref>
Dravid and Laxman played out the remaining time on the third day and the whole of the fourth day denying Australia any breakthrough.<ref name="Nice guy Aus. 2001 tour" /><ref name="laxman dravid inspired">{{cite web |date=14 March 2001 |title=We took it session by session, say the day's heroes |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/we-took-it-session-by-session-say-the-day-s-heroes-105067 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111212005307/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/105067.html |archive-date=12 December 2011 |access-date=14 September 2018 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Eventually, Laxman got out on the fifth morning, bringing the 376-runs partnership to an end. Ganguly declared the innings at 657/7, setting Australia a target of 384 runs with 75 overs left in the match.<ref name="follow on to win">{{cite web |last1=Chughtai |first1=Arshad |date=18 March 2001 |title=Forced to follow-on yet won |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/105230.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204084702/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/105230.html |archive-date=4 February 2018 |access-date=14 September 2018 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bhattacharya |first1=Rahul |date=30 August 2018 |title=India beating Australia in Kolkata |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/25/content/story/1138747.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914043247/http://www.espncricinfo.com/25/content/story/1138747.html |archive-date=14 September 2018 |access-date=14 September 2018 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> India bowled Australia out for 212 runs in 68.3 overs winning the match by 171 runs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: Second Test, Australia in India, 2000/01 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15565/scorecard/63920/india-vs-australia-2nd-test-australia-tour-of-india-2000-01 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830131913/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15565/scorecard/63920/india-vs-australia-2nd-test-australia-tour-of-india-2000-01 |archive-date=30 August 2018}}</ref> This was only the third instance of a team winning a Test after following-on, and India became the second team to do so.<ref name="follow on to win" />
Dravid scored 81 runs in the first innings of the Third Test and took 4 catches in the match as India defeated Australia at Chennai, winning the [[Australian cricket team in India in 2000–01#Test series|series]] 2–1. Dravid scored 80 runs in the first of the [[Australian cricket team in India in 2000–01#ODI series|5-match ODI series]] at his [[M. Chinnaswamy Stadium|home ground]] as India won the match by 60 runs. He underperformed in the remaining 4 ODIs as Australia won the series 3–2.<ref name="Oracle" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Results summary: Australia in India, 2000/01 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/cricket/engine/series/61425.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914124705/http://www.espncricinfo.com/cricket/engine/series/61425.html |archive-date=14 September 2018}}</ref> Dravid topped the averages for the 2000-01 Test season with 839 runs in six matches at an average of 104.87.<ref>{{cite web |title=Batting average: 2000/01 Test season |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;orderby=batting_average;season=2000%2F01;template=results;type=batting |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=18 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914203807/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;orderby=batting_average;season=2000%2F01;template=results;type=batting |archive-date=14 September 2018}}</ref>
Dravid had a decent outing in Zimbabwe, scoring 137 runs from 134 balls in the First Tour game and aggregating 138 runs at an average of 69.00 from the drawn [[Indian cricket team in Zimbabwe in 2001#Test matches|Test series]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: First Tour game, India in Zimbabwe, 2001 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15534/scorecard/106658/zimbabwe-a-vs-india-india-tour-of-zimbabwe-2001 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914184428/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15534/scorecard/106658/zimbabwe-a-vs-india-india-tour-of-zimbabwe-2001 |archive-date=14 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: India in Zimbabwe, Test series, 2001 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=448;type=series |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121063858/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=448;type=series |archive-date=21 January 2018}}</ref> In the ensuing [[2001 Zimbabwe Coca-Cola Cup|triangular ODI series]], he aggregated 121 runs from 5 matches at an average of 40.33 and a strike rate of 101.68,<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: Coca-Cola Cup, India in Zimbabwe, 2001 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=830;type=tournament |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121144022/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=830;type=tournament |archive-date=21 January 2018}}</ref> the highlight being an unbeaten 72 off 64 balls, while chasing a target of 235 against Zimbabwe in the 3rd match of the series, leading India to a 4-wicket win with four balls to spare. He was adjudged man of the match.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: 3rd match, Zim vs Ind, Coca-Cola Cup, 2001 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8570/scorecard/66314/zimbabwe-vs-india-3rd-match-coca-cola-cup--zimbabwe--2001 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914185237/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/8570/scorecard/66314/zimbabwe-vs-india-3rd-match-coca-cola-cup--zimbabwe--2001 |archive-date=14 September 2018}}</ref>
On the next tour to Sri Lanka, India lost the first three matches of the [[2001 Sri Lanka Coca-Cola Cup|triangular event]]. In the absence of the suspended Ganguly, Dravid captained the side in the 4th match leading them to their first victory of the series. India won the next two matches to qualify for the Final. Dravid played crucial innings in all three victories. Eventually, India lost the Final to Sri Lanka.<ref name="SL tour 2001 Nice guy">{{cite book |last1=Prabhudesai |first1=Devendra |title=The Nice Guy Who Finished First: A Biography of Rahul Dravid |date=December 2005 |publisher=Rupa Publications |___location=New Delhi, Ind |isbn=978-81-291-16505 |pages=98–102 |chapter=One for a Crisis}}</ref> He top scored for India in the series with 259 runs from seven matches at an average of 51.80 and a strike rate of 59.81.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: Coca-Cola Cup (Sri Lanka), 2001 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=831;type=tournament |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=18 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915001830/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=831;type=tournament |archive-date=15 September 2018}}</ref> Reinstated to his usual no. 3 position in the absence of the injured Laxman, Dravid top scored for India in the ensuing [[Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2001|3-Test series]] as well with 235 runs at an average of 47.00. Dravid scored 75 runs in the fourth innings chase of the Second Test – a crucial contribution to India's first Test win in Sri Lanka since 1993, despite the absence of key players like Tendulkar, Laxman, Srinath and Kumble.<ref name="SL tour 2001 Nice guy" /><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ugra |first1=Sharda |title=Unlikely friendship between Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid holds key to Team India's future |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/sport/story/20010910-unlikely-friendship-between-sourav-ganguly-rahul-dravid-holds-key-to-team-indias-future-774163-2001-09-10 |website=[[India Today]]|access-date=14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914205654/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/sport/story/20010910-unlikely-friendship-between-sourav-ganguly-rahul-dravid-holds-key-to-team-indias-future-774163-2001-09-10 |archive-date=14 September 2018 |date=10 September 2001}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: Test series, India in Sri Lanka, 2001 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=451;type=series |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105073049/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=451;type=series |archive-date=5 January 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Dravid had decent success in [[2001 Standard Bank Triangular Tournament|Standard Bank tri-series]] on the South Africa tour, scoring 214 runs (including 3 fifties) at an average of 53.50 and a strike rate of 71.81.<ref name="series-wise batting performance" /> He also kept wickets in the final two ODIs of the series, effecting 3 stumpings.<ref name="Dravid as keeper match list" /> The highlight for Dravid in the ensuing [[Indian cricket team in South Africa in 2001–02|Test series]] came in the second innings of the Second Test. India, having failed to last a hundred overs in any of the previous three innings in the series, needed to bat out four sessions in the Second Test to save the match. They started poorly, losing their first wicket in the first over itself. However, Dravid forged a partnership of 171 runs with [[Deep Dasgupta|Dasgupta]] that lasted for 83.2 overs, taking India to the brink of safety. Poor weather helped India salvage a draw as only 96.2 overs could be bowled in the innings.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: First Test, India in South Africa, 2001/02 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15465/scorecard/63951/south-africa-vs-india-1st-test-india-tour-of-south-africa-2001-02 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307075119/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15465/scorecard/63951/south-africa-vs-india-1st-test-india-tour-of-south-africa-2001-02/ |archive-date=7 March 2018 |access-date=15 September 2018 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: Second Test, India in South Africa, 2001/02 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15465/scorecard/63952/south-africa-vs-india-2nd-test-india-tour-of-south-africa-2001-02 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=15 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306134953/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15465/scorecard/63952/south-africa-vs-india-2nd-test-india-tour-of-south-africa-2001-02/ |archive-date=6 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Premachandran |first1=Dileep |date=1 December 2001 |title=The gleam of bone |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23061300/the-gleam-bone |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915214659/http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/23061300/the-gleam-bone |archive-date=15 September 2018 |access-date=15 September 2018 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Dravid captained the team in the [[Mike Denness and Indian cricket team incident|'unofficial' Third test]] in the absence of injured Ganguly, which India lost by an innings margin.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: 'Unofficial' Third Test, India in South Africa, 2001/02 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15465/scorecard/106790/south-africa-vs-india-unofficial-3rd-test-india-tour-of-south-africa-2001-02 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307155449/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15465/scorecard/106790/south-africa-vs-india-unofficial-3rd-test-india-tour-of-south-africa-2001-02 |archive-date=7 March 2018 |access-date=15 September 2018 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref><ref name="Nice guy SA 2001 tour">{{cite book |last1=Prabhudesai |first1=Devendra |title=The Nice Guy Who Finished First: A Biography of Rahul Dravid |date=December 2005 |publisher=Rupa Publications |___location=New Delhi, Ind |isbn=978-81-291-16505 |pages=102–7 |chapter=One for a Crisis}}</ref>
By the end of the South African tour, Dravid had started experiencing problems with his right shoulder. Although he played the ensuing home [[English cricket team in India in 2001–02|test series]] against England, he pulled out of the six-match bilateral ODI series to undergo a shoulder rehabilitation program in South Africa. He returned for [[Zimbabwean cricket team in India in 2001–02|Zimbabwe's tour of India]] but performed below par, scoring a fifty each in the Test series and the bilateral ODI series.<ref name="Oracle" /><ref name="Nice guy SA 2001 tour" />
===2002–2006: Peak years===
Dravid hit the peak form of his career in 2002.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rajesh |first1=S |date=9 March 2012 |title=India's overseas hero, and much more |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/556766.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104171833/http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/556766.html |archive-date=4 January 2018 |access-date=19 May 2019 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Between the 2002 and the 2006 season, Dravid was the second-highest scorer overall and top scorer for India across formats, scoring 8,914 runs from 174 matches at an average of 54.02, including 19 hundreds.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: Season 2002–2006 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=11;filter=advanced;orderby=runs;season=2002;season=2002%2F03;season=2003;season=2003%2F04;season=2004;season=2004%2F05;season=2005;season=2005%2F06;season=2006;template=results;type=batting |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=25 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525232013/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=11;filter=advanced;orderby=runs;season=2002;season=2002%2F03;season=2003;season=2003%2F04;season=2004;season=2004%2F05;season=2005;season=2005%2F06;season=2006;template=results;type=batting |archive-date=25 May 2019}}</ref>
Dravid had a successful outing [[Indian cricket team in the West Indies in 2001–02|in the West Indies in 2002]]. The highlights for him included hitting a hundred with a swollen jaw helping India avoid the follow-on at Georgetown in the drawn First Test,<ref>{{cite web |title=Match report: India tour of West Indies 2002, First Test |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/155140.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127031307/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/155140.html |archive-date=27 January 2016 |access-date=20 May 2019 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> contributing with a fifty and four catches to India's victory in the Second Test at the [[Queen's Park Oval|Port of Spain]] – India's first Test victory in the West Indies since 1975–76<ref name="Oracle" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Match report: India tour of West Indies 2002, Second Test |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/155141.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410010053/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/155141.html |archive-date=10 April 2019 |access-date=20 May 2019 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> – and another fifty in the drawn Fourth Test with a wicket to boot, that of [[Ridley Jacobs]] who was batting on 118.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: India tour of West Indies, Fourth Test |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15374/scorecard/63987/west-indies-vs-india-4th-test-india-tour-of-west-indies-2002 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=20 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510020831/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15374/scorecard/63987/west-indies-vs-india-4th-test-india-tour-of-west-indies-2002 |archive-date=10 May 2019}}</ref> This was Dravid's only wicket in Test cricket.<ref name="Oracle" /> He played as India's designated keeper in the ODI series but didn't contribute much with the bat in the 2–1 series win.<ref name="Oracle" /><ref name="Dravid as keeper match list" />
===A quartet of hundreds===
[[Indian cricket team in England in 2002|India's tour of England in 2002]] started with a triangular ODI event involving India, England and Sri Lanka. India emerged as the winner of the series, defeating England in the Final – their first victory after nine consecutive defeats in one-day finals.<ref>{{cite web |title=Results summary: India tour of England 2002 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/i/engine/series/62276.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=20 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520215101/http://www.espncricinfo.com/i/engine/series/62276.html |archive-date=20 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=29 August 2007 |title=Match report: NatWest series 2002, Final |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154994.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402085905/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154994.html |archive-date=2 April 2019 |access-date=20 May 2019 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Dravid played as designated keeper in six out of seven matches, effecting nine dismissals (6 catches, 3 stumpings) – the most by a keeper in the series.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most dismissals by keeper in NatWest series 2002 |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/keeping/most_dismissals_career.html?id=851;type=tournament |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=20 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520215611/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/keeping/most_dismissals_career.html?id=851;type=tournament |archive-date=20 May 2019}}</ref> He also performed well with the bat, aggregating 245 runs at an average of 49.00, including three fifties.<ref name="series-wise batting performance" /> His performance against Sri Lanka in the fourth ODI (64 runs, 1 catch) earned him a man of the match award.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: NatWest series, 6th ODI, Ind vs SL |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/61110/scorecard/66288/india-vs-sri-lanka-natwest-series-2002 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=20 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402125445/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/61110/scorecard/66288/india-vs-sri-lanka-natwest-series-2002 |archive-date=2 April 2019}}</ref>
India lost the first of the four match Test series. Having conceded a 260 runs lead in the first innings of the Second Test at [[Trent Bridge|Nottingham]], the Indian team was in a spot of bother. However, Dravid led the fightback in the second innings with a hundred as the Indian team managed to earn a draw.<ref name="England tour 2002">{{cite book |last1=Prabhudesai |first1=Devendra |title=The Nice Guy Who Finished First: A Biography of Rahul Dravid |date=December 2005 |publisher=Rupa Publications |___location=New Delhi, Ind |isbn=978-81-291-16505 |pages=109–117 |chapter=The Great Quartet}}</ref>
Ganguly won the toss in the Third Test and decided to bat first on an overcast morning at [[Headingley Cricket Ground|Headingley]], on a pitch known to be traditionally conducive for fast and swing bowling.<ref name="England tour 2002" /> Having lost an early wicket, Dravid ''weathered the storm'' in the company of [[Sanjay Bangar]].<ref name="weather the storm">{{cite web |title=Outstanding individual performances in Tests in England |url=http://www.sify.com/sports/outstanding-individual-performances-in-tests-in-england-imagegallery-9-cricket-lhsvSiaagdhsi.html |website=Sify sports |access-date=21 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521212053/http://www.sify.com/sports/outstanding-individual-performances-in-tests-in-england-imagegallery-9-cricket-lhsvSiaagdhsi.html |archive-date=21 May 2019}}</ref> They played cautiously, taking body blows on a pitch with uneven bounce. Dravid completed his second hundred of the series in the process.<ref name="England tour 2002" /><ref name="weather the storm" /> The Indian team declared the innings on 628/8 and then bowled England out twice to register their first test victory in England since 1986.<ref name="England tour 2002" /><ref>{{cite web |title=When India rocked England |url=http://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1151796/when-india-rocked-england |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181021203905/http://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1151796/when-india-rocked-england |archive-date=21 October 2018 |access-date=21 May 2019 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Despite being outscored by Tendulkar, Dravid was named man of the match for his heroic efforts on the first day in adverse conditions.<ref name="England tour 2002" /><ref name="weather the storm" /> Dravid scored a double hundred in the drawn Fourth Test and earned his second consecutive man of the match award of the series.<ref name="Ind vs Eng 4th test">{{cite web |title=Match report: Indian tour of England 2002, Fourth Test |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154972.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529020800/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154972.html |archive-date=29 May 2018 |access-date=21 May 2019 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> [[Christopher Martin-Jenkins]] noted during the Fourth Test:<ref name="England tour 2002" /> {{blockquote |If a Martian were to land on Earth now and be told that the best batsman in the world was playing in this match, he would think it was Rahul Dravid and not Sachin Tendulkar.}} Dravid aggregated 602 runs in the series from four matches at an average of 100.33, including three hundreds and a fifty, and was adjudged joint man of the series along with [[Michael Vaughan]].<ref name="series-wise batting performance" /><ref name="Ind vs Eng 4th test" />
India jointly shared the [[2002 ICC Champions Trophy]] with Sri Lanka.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Vasu |first1=Anand |title=Trophy wash-out an anti-climax, captains agree |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/123501.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522213849/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/123501.html |archive-date=22 May 2019 |access-date=22 May 2019 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Dravid contributed to India's successful campaign with 120 runs at an average of 60.00 and five dismissals behind the wicket.<ref name="Oracle" /> Dravid scored a hundred in the First Test of the [[West Indian cricket team in India in 2002–03|three match home series]] against the West Indies, becoming the first Indian batsman to score hundreds in four consecutive Test innings, but had to retire soon after owing to severe cramps.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dravid eyes Weekes' record |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/122682.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522215655/http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/122682.html |archive-date=22 May 2019 |access-date=22 May 2019 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Dravid performed well in the subsequent bilateral 7-match ODI series aggregating 300 runs at an average of 75.00 and a strike rate of 89.82, including a hundred and two fifties.<ref name="series-wise batting performance" /> He also effected 7 dismissals (6 catches, 1 stumping) in the series.<ref name="series wise fielding">{{cite web |title=Dravid's series-wise fielding performance |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=11;template=results;type=fielding;view=series |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=25 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525234756/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=11;template=results;type=fielding;view=series |archive-date=25 May 2019}}</ref> India was trailing 1–2 and needed 325 runs to win the Fourth ODI and level the series. Dravid scored a hundred, leading India to a successful chase. He once again scored a crucial fifty in the Sixth ODI as India once again leveled the series after trailing 2–3. India, however, lost the last match to lose the series 3–4.<ref name="Oracle" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Result summary: West Indies tour of India, 2002/03 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/61947.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309163317/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/61947.html |archive-date=9 March 2018}}</ref>
Dravid top scored for India in the [[Indian cricket team in New Zealand in 2002–03|two-match Test series]] in New Zealand as India slumped to a whitewash.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: India tour of New Zealand 2002/03, Test series |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=480;type=series |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=26 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201070233/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=480;type=series |archive-date=1 December 2017}}</ref><ref name="Ind in NZ 2002 results">{{cite web |title=Result summary: India tour of New Zealand, 2002/03 |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/62325.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602134014/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/62325.html |archive-date=2 June 2018}}</ref> He played as designated keeper in six of the 7-match bilateral ODI series and effected seven dismissals but fared poorly with the bat as India was handed a 2-5 drubbing by New Zealand.<ref name="Oracle" /><ref name="Ind in NZ 2002 results" />
===2003 Cricket World Cup===
Dravid arrived in South Africa with the Indian squad to participate in the [[2003 Cricket World Cup]] in the capacity of first-choice keeper-batsman as part of their ''seven batsmen-four bowlers'' strategy – an experiment that had brought success to the team during the prior year. The idea was that making Dravid keep wickets allowed India to accommodate an extra specialist batsman. The strategy worked well for India in the World Cup. India recovered from a less than convincing victory against the [[Netherlands national cricket team|Netherlands]] and a loss to Australia in the league stage, winning eight consecutive matches to qualify for the World Cup Finals for the first time since 1983.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Prabhudesai |first1=Devendra |title=The Nice Guy Who Finished First: A Biography of Rahul Dravid |date=December 2005 |publisher=Rupa Publications |___location=New Delhi, Ind |isbn=978-81-291-1650-5 |pages=121–34 |chapter=All-rounder}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=India set up dream final after brushing Kenya aside |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/130566.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530195324/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/130566.html |archive-date=30 May 2017 |access-date=26 May 2019 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> India eventually lost the Final to Australia, finishing as runner-up in the tournament.<ref name="2003 WC results">{{cite web |title=Results summary: 2003 ICC World Cup |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/61124.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=26 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814172209/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/series/61124.html |archive-date=14 August 2018}}</ref> Dravid contributed to India's campaign with 318 runs at an average of 63.60 and 16 dismissals (15 catches, 1 stumping).<ref name="series-wise batting performance" /><ref name="series wise fielding" /> Highlights for Dravid in the tournament included a fifty against England, 44 not out against Pakistan in a successful chase, and an undefeated fifty in another successful chase against New Zealand.<ref name="Oracle" /><ref name="2003 WC results" />
Dravid topped the international runs chart for the 2003-04 cricket season across formats, aggregating 1,993 runs from 31 matches at an average of 64.29, including three double hundreds.<ref name="cricinfo batting innings list" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Top scorers: 2003/04 cricket season |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=11;season=2003%2F04;template=results;type=batting |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=26 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190526215805/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=11;season=2003%2F04;template=results;type=batting |archive-date=26 May 2019}}</ref> The first match involved India and New Zealand, in the first of the [[New Zealand cricket team in India in 2003–04|two-test home series]] at Ahmedabad. Dravid scored 222 runs in the first innings and 73 runs in the second innings, receiving a man of the match award for his efforts. Dravid captained the Indian Test Team for the first time in the second game of the series at Mohali in the absence of Ganguly. Both matches ended in draws.<ref name="MOTM list" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=Prabhudesai |first1=Devendra |title=The Nice Guy Who Finished First: A Biography of Rahul Dravid |date=December 2005 |publisher=Rupa Publications |___location=New Delhi, Ind |isbn=978-81-291-1650-5 |pages=136–7 |chapter=Redemption and Immortality}}</ref> Dravid top scored in the series with 313 runs at an average of 78.25.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: New Zealand in India 2003/04, Test series |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=490;type=series |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=26 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801042112/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=490;type=series |archive-date=1 August 2018}}</ref> India next participated in the [[2003–04 TVS Cup Tri series|TVS cup]] alongside New Zealand and Australia. India lost to Australia in the Final. Dravid scored two fifties in the series but the highlight was his fifty against New Zealand in the ninth match that came in just 22 balls – the second fastest fifty by an Indian.<ref name="Oracle" /><ref>{{cite web |date=27 September 2005 |title=Match report: TVS Cup, 9th match, Ind vs NZ |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/220300.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922110643/http://www.espncricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/220300.html |archive-date=22 September 2017 |access-date=26 May 2019 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
===An Eden encore===
{{Quote box
|quote = "Rahul batted like God".
|author = Sourav Ganguly
|source = after Indian victory in the Adelaide Test.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bal |first1=Sambit |title='Rahul batted like god,' says Sourav |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/125867.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=27 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222082358/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/125867.html |archive-date=22 February 2017 |date=16 December 2003}}</ref>
|quoted = 1
}}
After earning a draw in the first of the [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2003–04|four-match Test series]] in Australia, the Indian team found itself reeling at 85/4 in the Second Test at [[Adelaide Oval|Adelaide]], after Australia had piled 556 runs in the first innings when Laxman joined Dravid in the middle.<ref name="Nice guy Australia 2003">{{cite book |last1=Prabhudesai |first1=Devendra |title=The Nice Guy Who Finished First: A Biography of Rahul Dravid |date=December 2005 |publisher=Rupa Publications |___location=Ned Delhi, Ind |isbn=978-81-291-1650-5 |pages=139–49 |chapter=Redemption and Immortality}}</ref> They batted for 93.5 overs, bringing about their second 300-run partnership, adding 303 runs together before Laxman perished for 148 runs.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Premachandran |first1=Dileep |date=14 December 2003 |title=Ghost of Kolkata past |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/125788.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721063820/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/125788.html |archive-date=21 July 2017 |access-date=27 May 2019 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> However, Dravid continued to complete his second double hundred of the season.<ref name="Oracle" /> He was the last man out for 233 runs as India conceded a marginal first innings lead of 33 runs to Australia. India bowled Australia out for a score of only 196, with the help of Agarkar's six-wicket haul, and were set a target of 230 runs to win the match.<ref>{{cite web |title=Scorecard: India tour of Australia 2003/04, Second Test |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15119/scorecard/64060/australia-vs-india-2nd-test-india-tour-of-australia-2003-04 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=27 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404200445/http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15119/scorecard/64060/australia-vs-india-2nd-test-india-tour-of-australia-2003-04 |archive-date=4 April 2019}}</ref> Dravid scored an unbeaten fifty in the chase as India registered their first test victory in Australia since the 1980–81 season.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rajesh |first1=S |title=Dravid's heroics topple Australia |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/125851.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725095304/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/125851.html |archive-date=25 July 2017 |access-date=27 May 2019 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> This was the first time that Australians went behind in a home series since 1994.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Premachandran |first1=Dileep |date=16 December 2003 |title=Rahul Dravid, German sedan |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/125871.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707174254/http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/125871.html |archive-date=7 July 2017 |access-date=27 May 2019 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Dravid won the man of the match award for his efforts.<ref name="MOTM list" /> He scored two nineties in the next two tests, as Australia leveled the series to 1–1.<ref name="Oracle" /> Dravid top scored for India in the series with 619 runs at an average of 123.80 and was awarded player of the series for his efforts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: India tour of Australia 2003/04, Test series |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=496;type=series |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=27 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180724065819/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=496;type=series |archive-date=24 July 2018}}</ref>
Dravid performed moderately well in the ensuing [[2003–04 VB Series|VB series]] with three fifties in the league stage, all of which came in winning cause. However, India lost the best-of-three finals to Australia 2–0.<ref name="Oracle" />
India visited [[Pakistan]] in March 2004 to participate in a [[Indian cricket team in Pakistan in 2003–04|bilateral Test series]] for the first time since the 1989–90 season.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Williamson |first1=Martin |title=A history of India v Pakistan |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvind/content/story/232386.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410010907/http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakvind/content/story/232386.html |archive-date=10 April 2019 |access-date=29 May 2019 |publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Prior to the Test series, India played and won the 5-match ODI series 3–2.<ref name="Oracle" /> Dravid top scored for India in the series with 248 runs at an average of 62.00 and a strike rate of 73.59, and effected four dismissals (3 catches, 1 stumping).<ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: India in Pakistan ODI series, 2003/04 |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=887;type=series |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=29 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810150839/https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=887;type=series |archive-date=10 August 2021}}</ref><ref name="series wise fielding" /> His contributions included 99 runs in the First ODI and a fifty during a successful chase in the Fourth ODI.<ref name="Oracle" />
Dravid captained India in the first two of the ensuing three-match test series in the absence of Ganguly, who was injured, and led India to their first-ever Test victory in Pakistan. In only his second test as the team's captain, Dravid took a controversial decision during the First Test at [[Multan Cricket Stadium|Multan]], declaring Indian innings at the fall of the fifth wicket, with the scoreboard reading 675/5 and Tendulkar unbeaten at 194, just six runs shy of a double hundred. He wanted to bowl a certain number of overs and take a shot at the exhausted Pakistani batsmen, who had been on the field for 150+ overs, in the final hour of the second day's play. While some praised the "team-before-personal-milestones" approach of the Indian captain, others criticized Dravid's timing of declaration as there were no pressing concerns and there was ample time left in the match to try to bowl Pakistan out twice.<ref name="Runs n reins 2004 pak tour">{{cite book |last1=Prabhudesai |first1=Devendra |title=The Nice Guy Who Finished First: A Biography Of Rahul Dravid |date=December 2005 |publisher=Rupa Publications |___location=New Delhi |isbn=978-81-291-1650-5 |pages=151-165 |chapter=Runs N' Reins}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The Multan Mystery: When Rahul Dravid Left Sachin Tendulkar Stranded At 194* |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/the-multan-mystery-when-rahul-dravid-left-sachin-tendulkar-stranded-at-194/articleshow/113268226.cms |access-date=22 June 2025 |agency=The Times Of India |date=11 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250618193211/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/the-multan-mystery-when-rahul-dravid-left-sachin-tendulkar-stranded-at-194/articleshow/113268226.cms |archive-date=18 June 2025}}</ref> While Tendulkar was admittedly disappointed, both he and Dravid and the team's management denied any rumours of a rift between them, and claimed that the matter had been discussed and sorted amicably behind closed doors.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Karhadkar |first1=Amol |title=Multan a closed chapter, say Dravid and Tendulkar |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/multan-a-closed-chapter-say-dravid-and-tendulkar-796733 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218152504/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/multan-a-closed-chapter-say-dravid-and-tendulkar-796733 |archive-date=18 December 2024 |date=6 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Wright says Tendulkar 'felt let down' at Multan |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/wright-says-tendulkar-felt-let-down-after-multan-declaration-255244 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309022800/https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/wright-says-tendulkar-felt-let-down-after-multan-declaration-255244 |archive-date=9 March 2022 |date=1 August 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/04/30/stories/2004043000932100.htm |___location=Chennai, India |title=Multan declaration was a mistake: Ganguly |date=30 April 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050901043946/http://www.hindu.com/2004/04/30/stories/2004043000932100.htm |work=[[The Hindu]] |archive-date=1 September 2005 }}</ref> India eventually went on to win the match by an innings margin. Pakistan leveled the series, defeating India in the Second Test. Dravid scored a double hundred in the Third Test at [[Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium|Rawalpindi]] – his third double hundred of the season. He scored 270 runs – his career best performance – before perishing to a reverse sweep, trying to force the pace.<ref name="Runs n reins 2004 pak tour" /><ref name="cricinfo batting innings list" /> India went on to win the match and the series – their first series victory outside India since 1993 and first ever in Pakistan.<ref name="Runs n reins 2004 pak tour" /> Dravid was adjudged man of the match for his effort.<ref name="MOTM list" /> He topped the international averages for 2003-04 Test season with 1,241 runs from nine tests at an average of 95.46.<ref>{{cite web |title=Test Batting averages: 2003/04 season |url=https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;orderby=batting_average;season=2003%2F04;template=results;type=batting |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250622190948/https://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/stats/index.html?class=1;orderby=batting_average;season=2003%2F04;template=results;type=batting |archive-date=22 June 2025}}</ref>
India ended as runners-up in the [[2004 Asia Cup]]. Dravid contributed to the campaign with a hundred against the U.A.E., which earned him a man of the match award,<ref name="MOTM list" /> a fifty against Sri Lanka and five dismissals behind the wicket.<ref name="Oracle" /> He did not make any significant contribution with the bat in the ensuing Videocon Cup, but scored a fifty in the 3-match bilateral ODI series in England and top scored for India in the failed campaign at the [[2004 ICC Champions Trophy]].<ref name="Oracle" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: ICC Champions Trophy, 2004 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/batting-most-runs-career/icc-champions-trophy-2004-898 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618080950/https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/tournament/batting-most-runs-career/icc-champions-trophy-2004-898 |archive-date=18 June 2024}}</ref>
Dravid did not perform well in the ensuing [[2004–05 Border–Gavaskar Trophy|Border-Gavaskar Trophy]] at home, scoring only one fifty in four matches.<ref name="Oracle" /> He led India in the Third and the Fourth Test of the series in the absence of regular captain Ganguly amid some speculations. While India lost the Third Test and with it the series, he led the team to a consolation win in the Fourth Test with his spirited leadership and some critical decision making including promotion of Laxman up the batting order and bowling Kartik before Kumble.<ref name="In a class of his own">{{cite book |last1=Prabhudesai |first1=Devendra |title=The Nice Guy Who Finished First: A Biography Of Rahul Dravid |date=December 2005 |publisher=Rupa Publications |___location=New Delhi |isbn=978-81-291-1650-5 |pages=167-180 |chapter=In A Class Of His Own}}</ref> He contributed 181 runs including two fifties to India's 1–0 victory in the [[South African cricket team in India in 2004–05|2-match home test series]] against South Africa. He topped the series average charts with an average of 90.5.<ref name="Oracle" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Most runs: South Africa in India Test series, 2004/05 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/series/batting-most-runs-career/south-africa-in-india-test-series-2004-05-514 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516064222/https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/series/batting-most-runs-career/south-africa-in-india-test-series-2004-05-514 |archive-date=16 May 2024}}</ref> Sandwiched between the two test series, India played a [[2004–05 BCCI Platinum Jubilee Match|solitary ODI]] against Pakistan at home to mark the 75th anniversary of the [[Board of Control for Cricket in India]].<ref name="cricinfo batting innings list" /><ref>{{cite web |title=BCCI Platinum Jubilee Match 2004/05 |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/bcci-platinum-jubilee-match-2004-05-61160 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219155102/https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/bcci-platinum-jubilee-match-2004-05-61160 |archive-date=19 December 2024}}</ref> The match turned out to be Dravid's last ODI as a designated wicket keeper.<ref name="Oracle" /><ref name="Dravid as keeper match list" /> In all, Dravid effected 84 dismissals (71 catches, 13 stumpings) in 73 matches as India's designated keeper and 2 dismissals (1 catch, 1 stumping) as substitute keeper, totaling to 86 dismissals behind the wicket in ODIs which is the fourth best among Indian keepers.<ref name="Dravid as keeper match list" /><ref name="Dravid's innings-wise fielding analysis" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Most dismissals for India in ODIs by wicket-keepers |url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/team/keeping-most-dismissals-career/india-6/one-day-internationals-2 |website=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=22 June 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026231543/https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/team/keeping-most-dismissals-career/india-6/one-day-internationals-2 |archive-date=26 October 2023}}</ref> Dravid had a good outing on [[Indian cricket team in Bangladesh in 2004–05|Bangladesh tour]], where he scored a hundred in the Test series and two fifties in the ODI series, with India winning both the series.<ref name="Oracle" />
In 2005, Dravid represented Asia XI against the ICC World XI at the [[World Cricket Tsunami Appeal]]. He top scored for Asia XI with a fifty but could not take his team to victory against the ICC World XI.<ref name="Oracle" /> Pakistan visited India in March 2005 for [[Pakistani cricket team in India in 2004–05|bilateral a Test and ODI series]]. Dravid scored a fifty in the First drawn test. He scored a hundred in each innings of the second test (110 in First innings and 135 in Second innings) at Eden Gardens, becoming only the second Indian to have scored a hundred in each innings of a test on two or more occasions. India won the test and Dravid earned man of the match award for his performance. He didn't fare well in the Third Test as India lost to draw the series 1-1. At the end of the series, Dravid's test average stood at 57.86 which was highest among the contemporary batsmen.<ref name="In a class of his own" /> Dravid topped the runs chart in the 6-match ODI series with 308 runs at an average of 51.33 and a strike rate of 80.00, including a hundred and two fifties. He also captained the team in the final two ODIs in the absence of Ganguly but could not prevent his team from losing the series 2–4 to Pakistan.
==Captaincy==
Dravid was appointed as captain of the Indian team for the [[2007 Cricket World Cup|2007 World Cup]], during which India was defeated.
[[File:Rahul Dravid - moving the field.jpg|thumb|left|Dravid fielding during a Test match against Sri Lanka in [[Galle]] in 2008.]]
During India's unsuccessful tour of England in 2011, in which their 4–0 loss cost them the top rank in Test cricket, Dravid scored three centuries.
[[File:Rahul cropped.jpg|thumb|right|Dravid batting against Australia at the [[MCG]]]]
===2011 Tour of England===
Having regained his form on the tour to the West Indies, where he scored a match-winning hundred in Sabina park, Jamaica, Dravid then toured England in what was billed as the series that would decide the World No. 1 ranking in tests.
In the first test at Lord's, in reply to England's 474, Dravid scored an undefeated 103, his first hundred at the ground where he debuted in 1996. He received scant support from his teammates as India's team was bowled out for 286 and lost the test.<ref>[http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/474472.html 1st Test: England v India at Lord's, Jul 21–25, 2011 | Cricket Scorecard] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113011757/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/474472.html |date=13 November 2012 }}. ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 2013-12-23.</ref> The second test at Trentbridge in Nottingham again saw Dravid in successful form. Sent out to open the batting in place of an injured Gautam Gambhir, he scored his second successive hundred. His score of 117 again did not secure the team's victory, as a collapse of 6 wickets for 21 runs in the first innings led to a defeat by 319 runs.<ref>[http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/474473.html 2nd Test: England v India at Nottingham, Jul 29 – Aug 1, 2011 | Cricket Scorecard] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113195321/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/474473.html |date=13 November 2012 }}. ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 2013-12-23.</ref> Dravid failed in both innings in the third test at Birmingham, as India lost by an innings and 242 runs, one of the heaviest defeats in their history.<ref>[http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/474474.html 3rd Test: England v India at Birmingham, Aug 10–13, 2011 | Cricket Scorecard] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113011849/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/474474.html |date=13 November 2012 }}. ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 2013-12-23.</ref> However, during the fourth and final match at The Oval, he opened the batting in place of Gambhir, and scored an undefeated 146 out of India's total of 300, carrying his bat through the innings. Once again, though, his efforts were in vain as India lost the match in a 0–4 whitewash.<ref>[http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/474475.html 4th Test: England v India at The Oval, Aug 18–22, 2011 | Cricket Scorecard] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122210328/http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/474475.html |date=22 January 2015 }}. ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 2013-12-23.</ref>
In total, he scored 461 runs in the four matches at an average of 76.83 with three hundreds. He accounted for over 26% of India's runs in the series and was named India's man of the series by English coach Andy Flower. Dravid's performance in the series was met with admiration.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/india/8714693/England-v-India-Rahul-Dravid-deserves-our-respect-after-frustrating-England.html England v India: Rahul Dravid deserves our respect after frustrating England] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628074529/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/india/8714693/England-v-India-Rahul-Dravid-deserves-our-respect-after-frustrating-England.html |date=28 June 2013 }}. Telegraph. Retrieved 2013-12-23.</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Pratap Sahi |first1=Lokendra |title=The placard said it all: 'England vs Dravid' |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/the-placard-said-it-all-england-vs-dravid-im-still-hopeful-well-be-able-to-draw-dravid/cid/363222 |access-date=9 May 2024 |work=Telegraph India |date=22 August 2011}}</ref>
===Retirement===
Rahul Dravid was dropped from the ODI team in 2009, but was selected again for an ODI series in [[England]] in 2011, surprising even Dravid himself since, although he had not officially retired from ODI cricket, he had not expected to be recalled.<ref name="ieaug11">{{cite news |last1=Dwivedi |first1=Sandeep |title=Dravid says no more ODIs after England series |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/dravid-says-no-more-odis-after-england-series/ |access-date=26 March 2024 |work=Indian Express |date=7 August 2011}}</ref><ref name=toisept11>{{cite news |title=I had a satisfying ODI career: Rahul Dravid |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/series-tournaments/india-in-england/top-stories/I-had-a-satisfying-ODI-career-Rahul-Dravid/articleshow/9999132.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807132504/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-16/top-stories/30164516_1_rahul-dravid-odi-series-test-cricket |url-status=live |archive-date=7 August 2013 |access-date=9 March 2012 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=16 September 2011}}</ref><ref name=dnaaug11>{{cite news |title=Rahul Dravid says thanks but no thanks |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_rahul-dravid-says-thanks-but-no-thanks_1573380 |access-date=9 March 2012 |newspaper=[[Daily News and Analysis]] |date=7 August 2011}}</ref> After being selected, he announced that he would retire from ODI cricket after the series.<ref name=ieaug11/> He played his last ODI innings against England at [[Sophia Gardens]], Cardiff, on 16 September 2011, scoring 69 runs from 79 balls before being [[bowled]] by [[Graeme Swann]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2011/09/19/rahul-dravid-bows-out-in-style/?mod=google_news_blog |title=Rahul Dravid Bows Out in Style |first=Will |last=Davies |work=WSJ }}</ref> His last limited-overs international match was his debut T20I match; he announced his retirement before playing his first T20I match.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dravid retires from T20I |date=31 August 2011 |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_rahul-dravid-all-set-for-t20-debut-farewell_1582150 |access-date=31 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227182801/http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_rahul-dravid-all-set-for-t20-debut-farewell_1582150 |archive-date=27 February 2012 }}</ref>
{{quote box|width=50%|align=right|quoted=1|quote=My approach to cricket has been reasonably simple: it was about giving everything to the team, it was about playing with dignity, and it was about upholding the spirit of the game. I hope I have done some of that. I have failed at times, but I have never stopped trying. It is why I leave with sadness but also with pride|source=– Dravid, at his retirement speech, March 2012<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/rahul-dravid-retirement-speech-95431-2012-03-09|title=Full text of Rahul Dravid's retirement speech|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|date=9 March 2012}}</ref>}}
Dravid announced his retirement from Test and domestic cricket on 9 March 2012, after the [[Indian cricket team in Australia in 2011–12|2011–12 tour of Australia]], but he said that he would captain the [[Rajasthan Royals]] in the [[2012 Indian Premier League]]. He was the second-highest run scorer and had taken the highest number of catches in Test cricket at the time of his retirement.<ref name=toimar12>{{cite news |title=Rahul Dravid announces retirement from international cricket |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/top-stories/Rahul-Dravid-announces-retirement-from-international-cricket/articleshow/12195477.cms |access-date=9 March 2012 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=9 March 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309090436/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/top-stories/Rahul-Dravid-announces-retirement-from-international-cricket/articleshow/12195477.cms |archive-date=9 March 2012 }}</ref>
In July 2014, he played for the MCC side in the [[Bicentenary Celebration match]] at [[Lord's]].<ref>{{cite web |title=MCC v Rest of the World – 5 July |url=http://www.lords.org/fixtures/fixtures-and-tickets/mcc-v-rest-of-the-world-5-july/ |work=Lord's |date=5 July 2014 |access-date=5 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707031308/http://www.lords.org/fixtures/fixtures-and-tickets/mcc-v-rest-of-the-world-5-july/ |archive-date=7 July 2014}}</ref>
==Coaching==
Towards the end of his playing career, Dravid took on a role as mentor to the [[Rajasthan Royals]]' IPL team in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Imtiaz|first=Md|date=2021-10-16|title=Rahul Dravid appointed as Team India head coach — Why is he chosen one?|url=https://thebridge.in/cricket/rahul-dravid-team-india-head-coach-25987|access-date=2021-11-11|website=thebridge.in|language=en}}</ref> During this time, he also became involved with the Indian national team, serving as mentor during the team's tour of England in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dravid to mentor India in England|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/rahul-dravid-to-mentor-india-in-england-756323|access-date=2021-11-11|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> After leading the Royals to a third-place finish in the 2015 IPL season, he was appointed as the head coach of the [[India national under-19 cricket team|India U-19]] and [[India A cricket team|India A]] teams.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-06-07|title=A-lister Rahul Dravid gets a double role|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/rahul-dravid-to-coach-india-a-u-19-teams/|access-date=2021-11-11|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> Dravid achieved success as coach, with the U-19s reaching the finals of the [[2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup|2016 U-19 Cricket World Cup]]. Two years later, the team went on to win the [[2018 Under-19 Cricket World Cup|2018 U-19 Cricket World Cup]], defeating Australia by 8 wickets to win their fourth Under-19 World Cup, the most by any national side.<ref>{{Cite magazine|author=Ujwal Singh |date=February 2, 2018 |title=2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup final: How India stormed through to title clash|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/2018-icc-under-19-world-cup-final-how-india-stormed-through-to-title-clash-1160142-2018-02-02|access-date=2021-11-11|magazine=India Today|language=en}}</ref> Dravid was credited with training future national team players including [[Rishabh Pant]], [[Ishan Kishan]] and [[Washington Sundar]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rahul Dravid's Coaching Career, and How His Processes Led to India's Bench Strength|url=https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/rahul-dravids-coaching-career-and-how-his-processes-led-to-indias-bench-strength-3757928.html|access-date=2021-11-11|website=www.news18.com|language=en}}</ref> Alongside his coaching roles, Dravid took on several mentor roles, including at the [[Delhi Daredevils]] IPL team.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2016-03-01|title=Dravid is Daredevils mentor, Upton named head coach|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/dravid-is-daredevils-mentor-upton-named-head-coach/article8300896.ece|access-date=2021-11-11|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
In July 2019, following his four-year stint as coach of the junior teams, Dravid was appointed Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).<ref>{{Cite news|date=2019-07-09|title=Rahul Dravid appointed head of cricket at NCA|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/cricket-india-dravid-idINKCN1U40I3|access-date=2021-11-11}}</ref> He was in charge of "overseeing all cricket related activities at NCA was involved in mentoring, coaching, training and motivating players, coaches and support staff at the NCA". As head of NCA, he was praised for maintaining the senior team and revamping player fitness and rehabilitation regiments.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kumar|first=K. c Vijaya|date=2021-02-20|title=As we celebrate Team India's splendid run, we must remember the vital role played by the NCA|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/as-we-celebrate-team-indias-splendid-run-we-must-remember-the-vital-role-played-by-the-nca/article33877997.ece|access-date=2021-11-11|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|author=Rahul Bhatnagar |date=March 8, 2021 |title=Rahul Dravid has done a great job at NCA as he looks after the 2nd string players, says Sourav Ganguly|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/rahul-dravid-has-done-a-great-job-at-nca-says-sourav-ganguly-1776928-2021-03-08|access-date=2021-11-11|magazine=India Today|language=en}}</ref>
In November 2021, he was appointed as head coach of the [[Indian national cricket team]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mr Rahul Dravid appointed as Head Coach - Team India (Senior Men) |url=https://www.bcci.tv/articles/2021/news/155228/mr-rahul-dravid-appointed-as-head-coach-team-india-senior-men- |date=3 November 2021 |access-date=26 March 2024 |work=The Board of Control for Cricket in India }}</ref>
==County stint==
Dravid had always been keen on further honing his batting skills in testing English conditions by playing in county cricket. He had discussed the prospects regarding the same with former New Zealand cricketer and incumbent Kent coach John Wright during India's 1998–99 tour of New Zealand. Wright was particularly impressed with Dravid's performance on that tour, especially with his twin hundreds at Hamilton. The talks finally materialized and Dravid made his county debut for Kent in April 2000. His co-debutante Ganguly made his county debuted in the same match, albeit for the opposite team.<ref name="county">{{cite book |last1=Prabhudesai |first1=Devendra |title=The Nice Guy Who Finished First: A Biography of Rahul Dravid |date=December 2005 |publisher=[[Rupa Publications]] |___location=New Delhi, Ind |isbn=978-81-291-16505 |pages=81–84 |chapter=Kent, And The Coliseum}}</ref>
Kent's offer had come as a welcome change for Dravid. There was too much negativity surrounding Indian cricket marred by the match fixing controversy. Dravid himself had been struggling to score runs in Tests for a while.<ref name="Oracle" /> The county stint gave him a chance to "get away to a new environment" and "relax". The wide variety of pitches and weather conditions in England and a full season of intense county cricket against professional cricketers gave him a chance to further his cricketing training.<ref name="county" />
In his 2nd game for Kent, Dravid scored a 182 runs, propelling them to an innings and a 163-runs victory over the touring Zimbabwe team.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Full Scorecard of Zimbabweans vs Kent Tour Match 2000 - Score Report {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/15685/scorecard/569440/kent-vs-zimbabweans-tour-match-zimbabwe-tour-of-england-and-ireland-2000|access-date=2020-08-25|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> Out of 7 first class tour games that Zimbabwe played on that tour, Kent was the only team that defeated them. Dravid hit another fifty runs in a draw against Surrey. The newly appointed vice-captain had to leave the county championship temporarily, missing two championship games and two one-day games, to fulfill his national commitment. The Indian team, Dravid included, fared poorly in the Asia Cup and failed to qualify for the Final. Subsequently, Dravid returned to England to resume his county sojourn with [[Kent County Cricket Club|Kent]].<ref name="Oracle" /><ref name="county" />
In July 2000, Kent's away match against Hampshire at Portsmouth was billed as a showdown between two great cricketers – Warne and Dravid. Dravid came out on top. On a dustbowl, tailor-made to suit home team spinners, Warne took 4 wickets but could not take Dravid's. Coming in to bat at 15/2, Dravid faced 295 balls, scoring 137 runs – his maiden hundred in county championships. Dravid scored 73 not out in the second innings, leading Kent to a six wicket victory as Warne went wicketless.
In their last county game of the season, Kent needed one bonus point to prevent themselves from being relegated to the Second Division. Dravid made sure they stayed put in the First Division by winning the necessary bonus point with an inning of 77 runs.
Dravid concluded a successful stint with Kent, aggregating 1,221 runs from 16 first-class matches (15 county games and 1 tour game against Zimbabwe) at an average of 55.50, including 2 hundreds and 8 fifties. He shouldered Kent's batting single-handedly as the second best Kent batsman. Dravid contributed to Kent's county campaign not only with the bat but also with his fielding and bowling, taking 14 catches and 4 wickets at an average of 32.00.
==Indian Premier League and Champions League==
[[File:Dravid and Warne.jpg|thumb|left|Dravid with [[Rajasthan Royals|RR]] teammate [[Shane Warne]]]]
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left:1em; width:50%;"
|-
!colspan="7"|'''RS Dravid's record in Twenty20 matches'''<ref>{{cite news |title=Statistics / Statsguru / RS Dravid /One-Day Internationals |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=2;template=results;type=batting |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160208053803/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=2%3Btemplate%3Dresults%3Btype%3Dbatting |archive-date=8 February 2016 }}</ref>
|-
!League !!Matches!!Runs!!HS!!100s!!50s!!Avg.
|-
|[[Twenty20 International|T20I]]<ref>{{cite news |title=List of Test victories |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/28114.html |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425001924/http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/28114.html |archive-date=25 April 2012 }}</ref> ||1||31||31||0||0||31.00
|-
|[[Indian Premier League|IPL]]<ref>{{cite news |title=IPL Records-Most Runs |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2013/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=117;type=trophy |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203034523/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/indian-premier-league-2013/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=117%3Btype%3Dtrophy |archive-date=3 February 2013 }}</ref>||89||2174||75*||0||11||28.23
|-
|[[Champions League Twenty20|CLT20]]<ref>{{cite news |title=CLT20 Records-Most Runs |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/champions-league-twenty20-2013/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=120;type=trophy |publisher=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=25 April 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001070500/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/champions-league-twenty20-2013/engine/records/batting/most_runs_career.html?id=120%3Btype%3Dtrophy |archive-date=1 October 2013 }}</ref> ||15||282||71||0||1||23.50
|}
Rahul Dravid played for [[Royal Challengers Bangalore]] in IPL 2008, 2009 and 2010. Later he played for the [[Rajasthan Royals]] and led them to the finals of [[Champions League T20]] in 2013, and play-offs of the [[Indian Premier League]] in 2013. Dravid announced retirement from Twenty20 after playing the [[2013 Champions League Twenty20]] in September–October 2013.<ref>[http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rahul-dravid-farewell-speech-sachin-tendulkar-cl-t20-final/1/313551.html Never thought I'd play T20 cricket for so long, an emotional Dravid bids farewell : Featured, News – India Today] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030065426/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rahul-dravid-farewell-speech-sachin-tendulkar-cl-t20-final/1/313551.html|date=30 October 2013}}. Indiatoday.intoday.in (7 October 2013). Retrieved 2013-12-23.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.firstpost.com/sports/rahul-dravid-leaves-greater-t20-legacy-than-sachin-tendulkar-1156873.html |title=Rahul Dravid leaves greater T20 legacy than Sachin Tendulkar – Firstpost |date=8 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010205033/http://www.firstpost.com/sports/rahul-dravid-leaves-greater-t20-legacy-than-sachin-tendulkar-1156873.html |archive-date=10 October 2013 }}</ref>
==Playing style==
Dravid is known for his technique, and has been one of the most successful batsmen of the Indian cricket team.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rahul Dravid|url=https://indianexpress.com/about/rahul-dravid/|access-date=2021-10-28|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> Early in his career, he was known as a defensive batsman who was best at playing Test cricket, and was dropped from the ODI squad due to a low strike rate. However, he later improved his ability to score well in ODIs, earning him the ICC Player of the Year award.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rahul Dravid is the ICC's player of the year|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/rahul-dravid-is-the-icc-s-player-of-the-year-143090|access-date=2021-10-28|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> His nickname of 'The Wall' in [[Reebok]] advertisements is now used as his nickname.{{Citation needed|date=October 2021}} Dravid has scored 36 centuries in [[Test cricket]], with an average of 52.31; this includes five double centuries. In one-dayers, he averaged 39.16, with a strike rate of 71.23.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rahul Dravid|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/28114.html|access-date=2020-08-25|publisher=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> He is one of the few Indians whose Test average is better while playing away than at home, averaging almost five runs more on foreign pitches.<ref name="RD">[http://www.howstat.com/cricket/statistics/Players/PlayerHomeAway.asp?PlayerID=2060 Rahul Dravid- Analysis of Performances at Home and Away] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124111702/http://www.howstat.com/cricket/Statistics/Players/PlayerHomeAway.asp?PlayerID=2060 |date=24 November 2009 }}. Retrieved 23 November 2010.</ref> As of 23 September 2010, Dravid's Test average abroad is 55.53, while his Test average at home is 50.76;<ref name="RD" /> his ODI average abroad is 37.93<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=2;home_or_away=2;home_or_away=3;spanmax1=23+Sep+2010;spanval1=span;template=results;type=allround |title=Rahul Dravid away batting stats in ODI |access-date=23 November 2010}}</ref> and his ODI average at home is 43.11.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.howstat.com/cricket/statistics/Players/PlayerCountries_ODI.asp?PlayerID=2060 |title=Rahul Dravid home batting stats in ODI |access-date=23 November 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807123501/http://www.howstat.com/cricket/statistics/Players/PlayerCountries_ODI.asp?PlayerID=2060 |archive-date=7 August 2013 }}</ref> Dravid averages 66.34 runs in Indian Test victories.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=1;result=1;spanmax1=23+Sep+2010;spanval1=span;template=results;type=allround |title=Rahul Dravid Test analysis in matches won |access-date=23 November 2010}}</ref> and 50.69 runs in ODIs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/28114.html?class=2;result=1;spanmax1=23+Sep+2010;spanval1=span;template=results;type=allround |title=Rahul Dravid ODI analysis in matches won |access-date=23 November 2010}}</ref>
{{quote box|width=50%|align=right|quoted=1|quote= You cannot give him any bad balls or anything to get off strike... just pressure him early in the right spot. He is not like the other guys who love scoring off every ball, and there is no real weakness in his game either. He is mentally strong. You have just got to bowl well to him early on because he gets himself really set for a big innings once he is in |source=– [[Glenn McGrath]] on how to approach Dravid, while speaking to ''The Daily Telegraph'', December 2003<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rediff.com/cricket/2003/dec/21dravid.htm|title=Dravid, Laxman real class: McGrath|work=Rediff.com|date=21 December 2003}}</ref>}}
Dravid's sole Test wicket was of [[Ridley Jacobs]] in the fourth Test match against the West Indies during the 2001–2002 series.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Agarwal|first=Kushagra|date=2018-05-18|title=Batsmen who picked just one wicket in more than a hundred Tests|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/batsmen-who-picked-just-one-wicket-in-more-than-a-hundred-tests|access-date=2020-08-31|website=sportskeeda.com|language=en-us}}</ref> Dravid often kept wickets for India in ODIs.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-10|title='Rahul Dravid had kept for 75 ODIs': Kiran More reveals why MS Dhoni was picked in the Indian team|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/the-scenario-was-something-like-this-kiran-more-reveals-why-ms-dhoni-was-picked-in-the-indian-team/story-7J1j1ersKWxtWJ4FHaU4SN.html|access-date=2021-10-28|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
Dravid was involved in two of the largest partnerships in ODIs: a 318-run partnership with [[Sourav Ganguly]], the first pair to combine for a 300-run partnership,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lokapally|first=Vijay|title=On this day: Ganguly, Dravid blitzkrieg hits Taunton|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/on-this-day-sourav-ganguly-rahul-dravid-taunton-india-sri-lanka-1999-world-cup/article31673432.ece|access-date=2021-10-28|website=Sportstar|date=26 May 2020 |language=en}}</ref> and a 331-run partnership with [[Sachin Tendulkar]], which is a world record.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Subrahmanyam|first=V. V.|date=2012-12-24|title=Sachin's special romance with city|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/sachins-special-romance-with-city/article4232687.ece|access-date=2021-10-28|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> He also holds the record for the greatest number of innings played since debut before being dismissed for a duck. His highest scores in ODIs and Tests are 153 and 270, respectively.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rahul Dravid profile and biography, stats, records, averages, photos and videos|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/player/rahul-dravid-28114|access-date=2021-10-28|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Rahul Dravid Test batting graph 10 innings average.svg|left|thumb|350px|An innings-by-innings breakdown of Dravid's Test match batting career, showing runs scored (red bars with purple bars for not out) and the average of the last ten innings (blue line).]]
He was named one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year in 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Hashim |first1=Taha |date=2020-05-16 |title=Wisden's Men's Test Team Of The 2000s {{!}} 2000s In Review |url=https://www.wisden.com/cricket-features/wisdens-mens-test-team-of-the-2000s |access-date=6 April 2025 |website=Wisden |language=en-GB}}</ref> Though primarily a defensive batsman, Dravid scored 50 runs not out in 22 balls (a strike rate of 227.27) against New Zealand in Hyderabad on 15 November 2003, the second fastest 50 among Indian batsmen.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Scroll Staff|title=Pause, rewind, play: When Rahul Dravid smashed the second-fastest ODI fifty by an Indian batsman|url=https://scroll.in/field/968223/pause-rewind-play-when-rahul-dravid-smashed-the-second-fastest-odi-fifty-by-an-indian-batsman|access-date=2021-10-28|website=Scroll.in|date=22 July 2020 |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2004, Dravid was awarded the [[Padma Shri]] by the [[Government of India]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Padma Shri a special feeling for Dravid|url=https://www.rediff.com/cricket/2004/jun/29dravid.htm|access-date=2021-10-28|website=www.rediff.com}}</ref> On 7 September 2004, he was awarded the inaugural [[Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy|Player of the year award]] and the [[ICC Awards|Test player of the year award]] by the [[International Cricket Council]] (ICC).<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kesavan|first=N.|date=2017-01-11|title=Rahul Dravid's all-time top five knocks|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/Rahul-Dravid%E2%80%99s-all-time-top-five-knocks/article17022933.ece|access-date=2021-10-28|issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
{{quote box|width=50%|align=right|quoted=1|quote=Indian people love to give their cricket heroes a nickname. As these things go, Rahul Dravid being known as 'The Wall' is pretty much spot on. 'The fortress' could also describe Rahul. Because once, Dravid was set, you needed the bowling equivalent of a dozen cannon firing all at once to blast him down|source=– Legendary Australian spinner [[Shane Warne]], December 2008<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/new-zealand-in-india-2016/top-stories/Dravid-could-have-even-been-called-The-fortress-Warne/articleshow/3788322.cms|title=Dravid could have even been called 'The fortress': Warne|agency=Press Trust of India|date=3 December 2008}}</ref>}}
After reaching the 10,000 Test runs milestone, he said, "It's a proud moment for sure. For me, growing up, I dreamt of playing for India. When I look back, I probably exceeded my expectations with what I have done over the last 10 to 12 years. I never had an ambition to do it because I never believed – it is just a reflection of my longevity in the game."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/7320087.stm |title=Dravid reaches Test runs landmark |work=BBC News |date=29 March 2008 |access-date=20 December 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120326042657/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cricket/7320087.stm |archive-date=26 March 2012 }}</ref>
Dravid is also one of only two batsmen to score 10,000 runs at a single batting position and is the fourth highest run scorer in Test cricket, behind Tendulkar, Ponting and Kallis.<ref>{{Cite web|title=India's overseas hero, and much more|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/rahul-dravid-stats-analysis-india-s-overseas-hero-and-much-more-556766|access-date=2021-10-28|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref>
==Achievements and awards==
{{Main|List of international cricket centuries by Rahul Dravid}}
{{See also|Indian national cricket captains}}
[[File:The_President,_Shri_Pranab_Mukherjee_presenting_the_Padma_Bhushan_Award_to_Shri_Rahul_Dravid,_at_an_Investiture_Ceremony,_at_Rashtrapati_Bhavan,_in_New_Delhi_on_April_05,_2013.jpg|thumb|President [[Pranab Mukherjee]] presenting the [[Padma Bhushan]] to Dravid, c. 2013.]]
===National honours===
* 1998 – [[Arjuna Award]] recipient for achievements in cricket<ref name=Arjuna>{{cite news|title=Dravid receives Arjuna Award|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99sep02/sports.htm#top|access-date=24 August 2012|newspaper=The Tribune}}</ref>
* 2004 – [[Padma Shri]] – India's fourth highest civilian award<ref>{{cite news|title=Rahul Dravid awarded Padma Shri |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/july012004/i7.asp |newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]]|date=1 July 2004 |access-date=2007-03-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060907035520/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/july012004/i7.asp |archive-date=7 September 2006 }}</ref>
*2013 – [[Padma Bhushan]] – India's third highest civilian award
===Other honours===
* 1999 – CEAT International Cricketer of the World Cup<ref name="Dravid player of world cup">{{cite web|title=Dravid bags ceat cricketer of the world cup award|url=http://www.businesswireindia.com/PressRelease.asp?b2mid=25697|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119181755/http://www.businesswireindia.com/PressRelease.asp?b2mid=25697|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 January 2013|publisher=Businesswireindia.com|access-date=21 August 2012}}</ref>
* 2000 – Dravid was one of the five cricketers selected as [[Wisden Cricketer of the Year]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Rahul Dravid – Wisden Cricketer of the Year | url=http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/wisdenalmanack/content/story/154389.html | publisher=[[Wisden Almanack]] | access-date=2007-03-27}}</ref>
* 2004 – [[ICC Player of the Year|ICC Cricketer of the year]] – Highest award in the ICC listings<ref name=ICC_Awards>{{cite news | title=Dravid walks away with honours| url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/09/09/stories/2004090906561800.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040923080130/http://www.hindu.com/2004/09/09/stories/2004090906561800.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=23 September 2004 | newspaper=[[The Hindu]] | date=9 September 2004 | access-date=2007-03-27 | ___location=Chennai, India}}</ref>
* 2004 – ICC Test Player of The Year, ICC Cricketer of The Year<ref name=ICC_Awards/>
*2004 – [[MTV Youth Icon of the Year]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Tribune - Magazine section - Saturday Extra|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040703/windows/main1.htm|access-date=2021-10-28|website=www.tribuneindia.com}}</ref>
* 2006 – Captain of the ICC's Test Team<ref>{{cite web | title=ICC Test Team Captain 2006 | url=http://ia.rediff.com/cricket/2006/nov/03dravid.htm | publisher=[[Rediff]] | date=3 November 2006 | access-date=2007-03-27}}</ref>
* 2011 – [[NDTV Indian of the Year]]'s Lifetime Achievement Award with [[Dev Anand]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/ndtv-indian-of-the-year-2011-142183 |title=NDTV Indian of the Year 2011 |work=ndtv.com |access-date=19 October 2011}}</ref>
*2012 – [[Don Bradman]] Award with [[Glenn McGrath]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Bradman Awards honour for Dravid, McGrath|url=http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-article/bradman-awards-honour-dravid-mcgrath/33000|publisher=Wisden India|access-date=1 November 2012|archive-date=5 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105053242/http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-article/bradman-awards-honour-dravid-mcgrath/33000|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*2015 – ''Wisden'' India's Highest Impact Test Batsman<ref>{{cite web|title=HISTORY-CHANGING COLOSSUS|url=http://www.impactindexcricket.com/100-hidden-cricket-facts/history-changing-colossus/|publisher=Wisden India Impact Index|access-date=2 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114113328/http://www.impactindexcricket.com/100-hidden-cricket-facts/history-changing-colossus/|archive-date=14 January 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*2018 – [[ICC Hall of Fame]]<ref>{{Cite news|agency=PTI|date=2018-07-02|title=Dravid, Ponting inducted into ICC's Hall of Fame|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/dravid-ponting-inducted-into-iccs-hall-of-fame/article24309680.ece|access-date=2021-10-28|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name="ESPNcricinfo"/>
==Personal life==
===Family===
On 4 May 2003, Dravid married Vijeta Pendharkar, a [[surgeon]] from [[Nagpur]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Dravid weds Vijeta Pendharkar |url=http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2003/may/04drav.htm |access-date=6 May 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070402045123/http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2003/may/04drav.htm |archive-date=2 April 2007 }}</ref> They have two children: Samit, born in 2005,<ref>{{cite web |title=Dravid blessed with a baby boy |url=http://in.rediff.com/cricket/2005/oct/11dravid.htm |access-date=6 May 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070329000846/http://in.rediff.com/cricket/2005/oct/11dravid.htm |archive-date=29 March 2007}}</ref> and Anvay, born in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dravid becomes a dad again |url=http://cricketnext.in.com/news/dravid-becomes-father-again/40339-13.html |access-date=29 April 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501034721/http://cricketnext.in.com/news/dravid-becomes-father-again/40339-13.html |archive-date=1 May 2009 }}</ref>
===Social commitments===
* Children's Movement for Civic Awareness (CMCA)<ref>{{cite web |title=The Great Wall of India |url=http://www.verveonline.com/29/people/rahul/full.shtml |date=September 2004 |publisher=Children's Movement for Civic Awareness |access-date=24 March 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716094607/http://www.verveonline.com/29/people/rahul/full.shtml |archive-date=16 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Testimonials |url=http://www.cmcaindia.org/index.php?option=com_testimonials |publisher=Children's Movement for Civic Awareness |access-date=24 March 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719182153/http://www.cmcaindia.org/index.php?option=com_testimonials |archive-date=19 July 2011 }}</ref>
* UNICEF Supporter and AIDS Awareness Campaign<ref>{{cite web |title=Rahul Dravid leads AIDS Awareness Campaign |url=http://www.indiantelevision.com/mam/headlines/y2k4/july/julymam45.htm |date=16 July 2004 |publisher=Indian Television.com |access-date=27 March 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081123103803/http://www.indiantelevision.com/mam/headlines/y2k4/july/julymam45.htm |archive-date=23 November 2008 }}</ref>
==Biographies==
===Books===
Four biographies have been written on Rahul Dravid and his career:
* ''Rahul Dravid – A Biography'' written by Vedam Jaishankar ({{ISBN|978-81-7476-481-2}}). Publisher: UBSPD Publications. Date: January 2004<ref>{{cite web |title=Book Review – Rahul Dravid, A Biography |url=http://thatscricket.oneindia.in/beyond/bookreview/1701dravid.html |access-date=27 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930163800/http://thatscricket.oneindia.in/beyond/bookreview/1701dravid.html |archive-date=30 September 2007}}</ref>
* ''The Nice Guy Who Finished First'' written by Devendra Prabhudesai. Publisher: [[Rupa Publications]]. Date: November 2005<ref>{{cite web |title=Book Launch:The Nice Guy Who Finished First |url=http://us.rediff.com/cricket/2005/nov/17look.htm |date=2005-11-17 |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=27 March 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071022021136/http://us.rediff.com/cricket/2005/nov/17look.htm |archive-date=22 October 2007 }}</ref>
* A collection of articles, testimonials and interviews related to Dravid was released by ESPNcricinfo following his retirement. The book was titled ''[[Rahul Dravid: Timeless Steel]]''.
==Notes==
{{notelist}}
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
{{commons category|Rahul Dravid}}
{{Wikiquote|Rahul Dravid}}
* {{Official website|http://www.rahuldravid.com/}}
* {{ESPNcricinfo|id=28114}}
{{s-start}}
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