Rahul Dravid, it's not over yet, you know that

To begin with, Rahul Sharad Dravid, thank you ever so much for all the memories. When on 9th March 2012 you said, it's time for you to move on, I just thought to myself, will we - the fans - ever move on? But, like all good things, his international and first class cricket innings too has come to an end.

I was way too young to be even a little part of anything he was, but I dreamt to a part of a little something he did. And as luck would have it, I got to be a part of his farewell. I have never seen or for that matter even thought of cricket without Rahul Dravid. He is my parallel to cricket, he got me glued to the game. He became my reason to watch, enjoy and love this game, and that obviously is not going to change. And his cricketing talent is not what makes him the man he is. He's way beyond just an excellent sportsman. Rahul epitomises dignity, perfection and humility.



All of 39, and he still was one of the fittest in the team. Some suggested that he should have retired after England tour, while some said he could have gone after one more Dravid-special-inning. But guess the man took the right call. Just like the rest of his career this too came as a dignified, well-thought decision. I remember feeling a little hollow inside when he announced his retirement from One day internationals (This was my attempt to express how I felt.)

Ever so charming Rahul even on the day of his retirement said he finds it difficult to say no. That is the kind of team man Rahul has always been. He always kept the team over everything even when he was asked to keep wickets, he did, strangely enough but I even remember that match in which he bowled and got a wicket as well.

It was hard not too get carried away while he read out his farewell speech. It's yet to hit me that Dravid won't be out there in the middle anymore, playing for India. But I guess it's for the good. Like I said when I heard the news of him probably announcing his retirement, thank god for simple joys. Thank god for a Rahul Dravid, thank god for his simplicity.

There is no scarcity of the praises and wonderful words that have been showered upon him. But this is not it, Dravid has a lot of cricket in him, hopefully cricketing world will have him around for a lot longer, as an expert, a mentor, a commentator, or maybe a writer, I am not sure what. I would wait to see for what lies ahead for the man who gave these glorious 16 years to the game with such grace and dignity. As one of the finest gentlemen of the gentleman's game calls it a day, it goes without saying he's going to be one of the most important chapters of the history of cricket.

The legend of Rahul Dravid is etched in memories of millions of fans and it's a place well-deserved. A friend of mine said, Rahul Dravid there won't be many like you, I disagree. Because, Rahul Dravid there won't anyone like you, ever.

How I was looking for Rahul, and found Akhilesh

When Rahul Gandhi first appeared on India's political scene, he was projected as the new-age neta, the politician that we never had. There was and there still is a constant buzz as to how this 'youth' leader will change the way politics is perceived in our country. I was looking for a politician who made me be believe that politics isn't something that one needs to run away from.

But somehow, and I speak for myself alone, Rahul failed to translate this projection into reality.

Past few days we have seen many lengthy articles and analyses on the two big 'sons' of Indian politics. With all kind of similarities and differences that Rahul and Akhilesh possess. Truth is, and I must admit it, that until this election I had very little knowledge as to who is Akhilesh Yadav. I knew he is Mulayam Singh Yadav's son, sadly, that was the only "identity" he had in my mind.

It's a shame, I admit, specially after studying politics for 5 years (almost!).



The point I am trying to make is that Rahul Gandhi was looked upon as someone who will prove himself to be a mass leader, or as some believe a 'youth' leader. He was supposed to be a magnetic force that was drawing crowds, because he was one of them. But there was a little something that was missing.

The fact that we had been looking for a reason to call him a mass leader is self-explanatory. A leader shines, he is visible in a crowd, he is heard in a noise. And Rahul unfortunately, despite being all that, just lacked that one quality. Difficult to point out what but he failed to have a lasting impact. The kind of impact that probably Omar Abdullah had when he made that speech in Parliament in 2008 during his trust vote. Or the kind of 'let-the-work-do-the-talking' attitude that Sachin Pilot has. And it would be unfair to compare Rahul with anyone else but his contemporaries.

Akhilesh, on the other hand, inspite of being invisible on the national political sphere, comes across sorted. He seemed focussed, he had a plan and followed it too. And the result is out in front of all of us.

While addressing the press, he had short, crisp yet all apt answers to give. Without any use of big political words, without sounding too excited, he calmly answered all the media questions and exclamations. He even played his party's victory down, Akhilesh said, "Earlier we were losing and others were celebrating. Now we are winning and others are not. This is how politics is." He had a certain Dhoni-like demeanour. He smiled, spoke his mind, and made his point without having to shout from the rooftops.

Persona of a leader, a sorted mind, a casual yet dignified response to a resounding victory.

Many have been saying that Akhilesh is responsible for bringing Samajwadi Party back on the political map. True, as it appears to be, but this is just the first step. What lies ahead is the real test. Will Akhilesh be able to sustain the air he has created? Will he be able to prove himself in practicality?

Because, after all, politics is a lot more than just a promising speech and a politician has to be a lot more than just an articulate speaker. Both Rahul and Akhilesh have made promising speeches but time remains litmus to what lies ahead in their political careers. For now, Akhilesh seems to be a little ahead of Rahul. But one election cannot determine what a politician's career is going to be.

We are yet to see if Akhilesh will be able to translate his dignity in India's sphere of politics. Because in politics, campaigning and really doing the work are two very different ball games.