If cricketers had a day named after them

8. Slip Catchers Day – Rahul Dravid (January 11):

Arguably the most technically sound batsman of all time, Rahul Dravid will forever be known for his slip fielding along with his batting records. In a close battle between Australian great Steve Waugh and Rahul Dravid, it was the later who emerged as the leading catcher in the slips cordon.

Slip fielding is one of the most important aspects in a Test match for we all know that catches win matches. An immense amount of yogic concentration is required to be successful in the slips region. You can stand there all day watching the batsmen pile on the runs, and all of a sudden one edge can change the course of the test match.

Dravid pulled off many blinders with consistency in the slips but his partner in crime was leg-spinner Anil Kumble. Out of his world record 210 catches, Fifty-five were from the bowling of Anil Kumble, and a further 51 from that of Harbhajan Singh. There were many who came and left the slip cordon in the Indian team but Dravid was constant, as always, being the Mr Dependable at first slip as well.

Also read – How did Rahul Dravid get the name ‘The Wall’?