NEW DELHI: Former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid, also known as the Wall, turned 43 today and warm birthday wishes poured in from the cricket fraternity.
Former explosive Indian opener Virender Sehwag took to Twitter to wish his former teammate a very happy birthday.
“He played in the V. But was the biggest C. Commitment, Class, Consistency, Care. Proud to have played together. Happy Birthday #RahulDravid,” Sehwag wrote in a series of tweets.
Labelling Dravid as a `selfless` human being, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif also extended his warm wishes to Mr. Dependable.
“Happy Birthday #RahulDravid. One of the most selfless, likeable human being ever and the biggest reason to love the name "Rahul",” Kaif wrote on Twitter.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) tweeted, “Here's wishing a very happy birthday to former #TeamIndia skipper Rahul Dravid #Legend #Dravid.”
Meanwhile, newly-appointed limited-overs captain Virat Kohli thanked Dravid for being a great role model for aspiring cricketers.
“Happy Birthday Rahul Bhai. Thank you for your encouragement & for being a great role model for all the budding cricketers out there ??,” Kohli said.
Wishing `gentleman` Dravid a very happy birthday, paceman Irfan Pathan said that he was extremely lucky to have a senior player like him.
“A very happy birthday to a special teammate and a legend of the game! Happy Birthday #RahulDravid , wish you all the best in the year ahead,"veteran batsman Gautam Gambhir tweeted.
Considering Dravid as a `Great Wall` of the Indian cricket, Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel wished the former, saying, “True gentleman & GREAT WALL of #Indian #cricket Wishing #RahulDravid a very Happy Birthday. DID YOU KNOW once he took 2 wickets in 2 balls!”
Often regarded as one of the greatest batsmen ever to grace the game, Dravid appeared in 164 Tests and 344 ODIs for India and notched up more than 10,000 runs in both the formats of the game in his trophy-laden career.