Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has made a heartfelt plea for fans to join him in urging the Indian government to bestow the Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian award, on Rahul Dravid. Gavaskar believes that Dravid’s immense contributions to Indian cricket, especially his recent success as a coach, warrant this prestigious honor.
Rahul Dravid recently concluded his coaching stint with the Indian national team, leading them to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 held in the USA and the West Indies. Gavaskar praised Dravid’s role in this achievement and highlighted his extensive work in nurturing young talent during his tenure as the head of the National Cricket Academy and as a mentor for Team India.
Currently, Sachin Tendulkar is the only Indian cricketer to have received the Bharat Ratna, awarded to him in 2014. Gavaskar, in his column for Mid-Day, expressed that Dravid’s contributions to Indian cricket are equally deserving of this highest civilian accolade.
“It would be apt if the Indian government honors Rahul Dravid with the Bharat Ratna,” Gavaskar wrote. “Earlier, the Bharat Ratna was given to leaders who had done something for society. Their influence was restricted to their party and the region they belong to. Dravid’s achievements have brought joy to the entire nation. He deserves the highest honor of India.”