‘Rahul Dravid won on the principles of cricket and principles of life’ – Matthew Hayden extols former India head coach

Matthew Hayden and Rahul Dravid. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

Matthew Hayden was effusive in his praise for former India captain and head coach Rahul Dravid during an event. The two cricketers had been part of some memorable India versus Australia encounters which went a long way in making the rivalry as fierce as it is today.

Dravid was involved in an epic 376-run partnership with VVS Laxman at the Eden Gardens during a Test match between India and Australia in 2001. While Laxman finished on a record-breaking 281, Dravid also showcased his talent with a splendid 180. The two iconic cricketers also forged a phenomenal 303-run partnership in Adelaide in 2003, where the Karnataka batter scored a magnificent 233, while Laxman made 148.

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After having a fantastic playing career, Dravid ventured into coaching and he recently helped India win the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. Recently, the former India head coach was conferred with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at an awards function. Hayden was asked to say a few words for the former India captain during the event. The Kingaroy-born recalled the famous partnerships between Dravid and Laxman and revealed how the one at Eden Gardens foiled Michael Slater’s celebration plans.

“Sadly, from an Australian cricket point of view, it was the incredible partnership that he had up at Eden Gardens. There was nothing more sacred but that partnership with VVS Laxman. We walked onto the bus that day up in Kolkata and there was a fresh box of Cuban cigars and Michael Slater said we’ll be smoking these at the end of the day and we’ll have retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy,” Hayden said about Dravid during Ceat Cricket Rating Awards.

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The 52-year-old also commended Dravid for playing the game with integrity and staying true to his principles instead of going for the win-at-all-cost mentality.

“Well, you had something to say about that batting all day with VVS Laxman in an extraordinary partnership. Obviously, the one in Adelaide as well was just something else. Under pressure, Australia put everything on the line against Rahul and did it with great grace, great composure, and always a great sense of fairness. In a game, which can tempt you to win at all costs Rahul Dravid won on the principles of cricket and the principles of life,” he concluded.