In a thoughtful and grounded conversation, Rahul Dravid reveals the lesser-seen side of his life—one that’s guided not just by cricket, but by values, relationships, and purpose. While the world knows him as a cricketing legend, Dravid makes it clear: cricket is what he does, not who he is. At his core, he identifies first as a father, husband, son, and friend, placing immense value on human connection and personal growth.
He reflects on how his early education and values from his parents shaped his worldview, and how mentors like K. Narayanan and Greg Chappell, alongside peers like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid (a self-aware nod), influenced his cricketing journey. If he could give advice to his younger self, it would be to focus on effort, not outcomes—to simply enjoy the journey.
Known for his calm persona, Dravid addresses the question of anger with honesty. The now-famous “angry ad”? A scripted act—his real-life temperament is quite the opposite.
In today's always-on world, Dravid consciously chooses to stay away from social media, prioritizing mental well-being and protecting his privacy. He selectively engages with digital content, especially when it adds value to his work as a coach—but stays firmly rooted in real-world interactions.
When it comes to parenting, Dravid believes in letting children explore freely. Once they choose an activity, however, he insists on commitment, always ensuring that play remains fun and pressure-free. He champions a balance between structured coaching and free play, seeing it as a way to build resilience, teamwork, and decision-making—skills that go far beyond sport.
Finding balance is a recurring theme—whether it’s between sport and family, screens and movement, or work and rest. Dravid carves out time for reading, outdoor activity, and shared family routines, setting an example in a fast-paced digital age.
And just when things get a little too serious, he lightens up: Superman is his superhero of choice, his shoes were once filled with gulab jamuns, and Lord’s and Chinnaswamy remain two of his all-time favorite cricket grounds.
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