'The Wall' Rahul Dravid turns 43 today

One of India's last classical Test match batsmen, Rahul Dravid often regarded as The Wall celebrates his birthday on January 11.

Rahul was always inclined to cricket and is believed to have started playing when he was 12 years old. Soon the boy from Bangalore played for under-15, under-17 and under-19 teams at the state level.
He is currently the coach of India 'A' and U-19 teams and is busy in World Cup preparations with the latter in Bengaluru.
Apart from innumerable fans that his talent has gained over the many years of his career, international cricketers too look up to India's finest batsmen.


Via espncricinfo.com
Here's what they have to say:
Sachin Tendulkar: "Dravid is a perfect role model for youngsters. He has set a great example for all of us to follow. We are all trying to follow that path."
Mathew Hayden: "All this going around is not aggression. If you want to see aggression on cricket field, look into Rahul Dravid's eyes."
Navjot Singh Sidhu: "Rahul Dravid is a player who would walk on broken glass if his team asks him to."
Chris Gayle: "Dravid could play attacking cricket like me but I could never play like him."
Bran Lara: "If I have to put anyone to bat for my life, it'll be Kallis or Dravid."    
Shane Warne: "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"

All you need to know about The Wall Full name: Rahul Sharad Dravid Born: January 11, 1973, Indore, Madhya Pradesh Education: St. Joseph's Boys' High School Major teams: India, Scotland, Asia XI, Canterbury, ICC World XI,Karnataka, Kent, Marylebone Cricket Club, Rajasthan Royals,Royal Challengers Bangalore Nickname: The Wall Playing role: Top-order batsman Batting style: Right-hand bat Bowling style: Right-arm offbreak Fielding position: Occasional wicketkeeper Source: espncricinfo.com

.@ajinkyarahane88's birthday message for Rahul Dravid #HappyBirthdayDravid pic.twitter.com/gJMBByw9GE
- BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2016

A very Happy Birthday to Rahul Dravid. Wish you good health and may you continue to contribute to Indian cricket
- Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 11, 2016

Commitment, Consistency, Class. Here's wishing a very Happy Birthday to Rahul Dravid #HappyBirthdayDravid pic.twitter.com/UGetEOWsoE
- BCCI (@BCCI) January 11, 2016

Happy Birthday Rahul Bhai. You are an inspiration always. Thank you for so many immortal cricket memories. #Legend
- Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 11, 2016

Wishing The Great Wall of india,best slip catcher #rahulDravid a very very happy birthday.have a good one jam?????? pic.twitter.com/uVN5XnAyNu
- Harbhajan Singh (@harbhajan_singh) January 11, 2016

Thank you all my lovely fans for wishing me and also trending #HappyBirthdayDravid. Love you all.
- Rahul Dravid (@Iam_Dravid) January 11, 2016