“It has always been an enduring partnership and a very enjoyable one indeed,” was how V.V.S. Laxman summed up his association with Rahul Dravid on Friday.
“I knew him from our under-19 days. He was always a team man to the core and one who always was a role model. It was a pleasure to bat with him especially since I used to admire him a lot,” Laxman said.
“The 2001 Kolkata Test against Australia was one of the many high-points of our partnership. I remember Rahul was on medication (drip) to stay fit during that fight back against a strong Australian bowling attack. It was indeed one of the most memorable experiences for me in Test cricket,” said Laxman.
“His professionalism will be missed on the field and in the dressing room. Besides being an outstanding batsman, Rahul showed a very shrewd cricketing brain,” he said.
“I was not surprised by his decision to quit. He had a chat with me three days ago. It has to come some day,” Laxman said.
“Rahul always held his own despite being a member of the 'Fabulous Four.' I always believe that he got his due and was widely respected across the cricketing world. Definitely, Sachin is a phenomenon but Rahul was not far behind,” Laxman explained.