Rahul....means to me

This is going to be really difficult.I am almost out of words but I'll try.So,the curtains have come down and the man known as 'The WALL' has retired.The praise is pouring in and so are the stats.People are busy rating his best innings,giving the number games.Somehow,I don't feel the need to.I have never been a man of numbers,really.For me,Rahul Dravid has an image beyond just being a cricketer.He's more,a lot more. I began watching cricket when I was seven years old.Age where barbies and ur associates and not bat and bowl.My first test match was at Chennai where India completed a series victory over Waugh's wonders to win the series in 2001.From that day,Rahul Dravid became my world.He almost forced me to take holidays to watch a cricket match.What a treat it was,the sizzling drives,the cut and most importantly,the sizzling sound of the bal hitting the bat when he defended.Wow!!What a world it was.I don't know if Leeds was his best or Adelaide....for me,everything he did was special.In my world,he became a superstar,the King.A man who for me was changing me.My friends used to loath me for my defense.I used to bat for two hours to score twenty runs.No shot in the air,it was just all defense.That what Rahul Dravid means to me.He's an institution in himself.Not just batting,came in my life the importance of hard work and dedication.I was never a wonder kid.I may have given up on myself had it not for been this man,who inspired me to try hard.He almost told me,come on,u can do it and somehow,I did.That's what Rahul means to me,he's my inspiration.

With good times,come the bad times and there were plenty.From his captaincy troubles to the period between 2008 and 2010,where I fought with everyone for him,cause he gave me the strength to fight.That's what Rahul means to me,my strength.He was dropped in 2007 from the ODI side and I said,he will come back and he did in 2009.He was again dropped at the age of 36,No one gave him a chance,i said he will come back.He did.The same person who gave me the message of him being dropped in 2007 gave me the message of his return in 2011.What a moment it was!!The times were tough for Rahul but I never lost hope cause he didn't.He never did.It would have been so easy for him to retire then,everyone would have said,'Great decision.He should go.'But he didn't.For a man who has had an entire career of pride ,it would have been unfair for him to go like this.Then came England,2011. This series showed the miracle of God.Rahul scored five test centuries and my man,was back.He inspired me to grow above the difficulties and fight,and I did.That's what Rahul is for me,reason I smile. I got messages telling me Rahul has retired and when the announcement was made,my world stopped for a moment.For others,he was a cricketer,for me he is my inspiration.I've practised to walk like him,to talk like him.It will be hard and what is more hurting is I could never watch him batting live,when I was in the crowd.i went for a test match but he was out minutes before.Hard luck.I always wondered what i will do and write when he retires and when now,he has,it has taken me two days to write something.Some one asked,'U cried??'I said no.I hate to admit it....I did.I still am.That's what Rahul Dravid is for me,smiles n tears,joy n happiness.He is what your best friend is to you,he's the heartbeat in my heart.Thanks Rahul Dravid for your services,I'll miss you when i watch cricket,i'll miss u when I don't for there's no one to follow when I'm in my bad times.My King Of Good Times has decided to walk in the shade.I wish,'Can I come along??'I'm sure he'll say no and fight yourself.I will.My friends,if i make mistakes,I apologise.The reason for me being me,is no more around.Love u,Rahul Sharad Dravid.