Rahul Dravid turns up for league, has a stint with son Anvay

The father-son duo even had a brief 17-run partnership for the fifth wicket, against Young Lions Club.

It was a day to remember for the players and officials who lined up for a KSCA Group I, Division III league match at the SLS Kreedangana grounds in Bengaluru on Saturday (February 22, 2025).

On the field, turning up for Vijaya Cricket Club (Malur) was none other than former India captain Rahul Dravid. The stalwart used the opportunity to play alongside his son, Anvay Dravid.

The father-son duo even had a brief 17-run partnership for the fifth wicket, against Young Lions Club. Wicketkeeper-batter Anvay made a 60-ball 58, while 52-year-old Rahul made an eight-ball 10 in the 50-over encounter.

Vijaya CC (Malur), led by S. Ashwin Ram, won by 24 runs.

For Young Lions Club left-arm wrist-spinner Sarfaraz Ashraf, it was a dream come true. “We did not know that Rahul sir was playing, until we reached the ground. It was the most amazing experience to play against a legend,” Ashraf, who has turned out for Jharkhand and Bihar in domestic cricket, told ‘The Hindu’.

The commitment to the cause was undeniable, as Rahul stayed on the field for the full Young Lions Club chase. “Rahul sir did not even take a break. He moved between slip, cover and mid-wicket and gave his very best. To play against him served as a motivation for all of us. We were all very keen to impress him,” Ashraf, who made a 29-ball 43 and picked up one wicket, said.

At the end of the outing, Dravid made time to interact with all the players and accommodated photo requests. “Rahul sir is truly a man of class,” Ashraf said.

Published - February 23, 2025 05:40 am IST