Top 10 Karnataka cricketers to have played for India - Part 2

9. Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid of India bats during day three of the Second Test Match between Australia and India at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 5, 2012

The Technician, Rahul Dravid had a defence that nobody could breach. Bowlers at the school level in Bangalore, bowlers at the inter state level competitions and then the bowlers at the International level have all tried in vain, to breach that close bat and pad. They are still trying… but its too late, the man has retired.

Rahul Dravid had immense powers of concentration, a trait that was going to hold him in good stead when he took on the Australians at Adelaide in 2003. He batted for 835 minutes in the course of two innings at the crease, scoring 233 in the first innings and then remaining not out on 72 in the second, to lead India to a memorable victory over Australia.

The victory in Australia was something that had not happened in over a generation. With 13,288 Test runs, Dravid is only behind Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting in the list of all time highest run getters.

Against many expectations, Dravid reinvented himself to develop into an extremely important part of India’s ODI successes. In the late 90′s and early 2000′s Dravid even donned the role of wicket keeper and played a key role with India struggling to find an all-rounder during the period.

Dravid also went on to captain India in 25 Tests and 79 ODIs and is credited for being astute with decisions on the field and also being a great ambassador off of it.

If you ever wanted an Indian batsman to bat for you while your life was on the line, you better choose Rahul Dravid.