Rahul Dravid, affectionately known as “The Wall,” is one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history.
His impeccable technique, unwavering concentration, and ability to anchor the Indian batting lineup made him a crucial player for over a decade.
Let’s delve into the life and career of this legendary cricketer.
Rahul Dravid’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rahul Sharad Dravid |
| Nickname | The Wall, Jammy, Mr. Dependable |
| Born | January 11, 1973 |
| Age | 52 years |
| College | St. Joseph’s College of Commerce, Bangalore |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) |
| Turned Pro | 1996 |
| Net Worth | $40 million (approx. ₹320 crores) |
| Salary | ₹12 crore per annum (as Indian team coach) |
| Spouse | Vijeta Pendharkar |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | (Dravid is not on social media) |
Early Career
Rahul Dravid’s journey in cricket began at age 12 when he started playing for Karnataka’s junior teams. His talent was evident early on, and he quickly rose through the ranks.
Dravid made his Ranji Trophy debut for Karnataka in 1991 at age 18, scoring 82 runs in his first match. His consistent performances in domestic cricket caught the selectors’ attention, leading to his international debut.
Professional Career
Professional career took off when he made his Test debut against England at Lord’s in 1996, scoring 95 runs. He quickly established himself as a dependable batsman in the Indian middle order.
Over his 16-year international career, Dravid became known for his technical proficiency, patience, and ability to play long innings.
He played a crucial role in many of India’s memorable victories, including the famous 2001 Test series against Australia.
Dravid retired from international cricket in 2012, having scored 13,288 runs in Test cricket and 10,889 runs in ODIs. After retirement, he transitioned into coaching roles, eventually becoming the head coach of the Indian national team in 2021.
Wife
Rahul Dravid is married to Vijeta Pendharkar, a surgeon from Nagpur. They tied the knot on May 4, 2003, in a traditional Maharashtrian wedding ceremony.
The couple has two sons: Samit Dravid, born in 2005, and Anvay Dravid, born in 2009.
Both of Dravid’s sons have shown interest in cricket, with Samit already making headlines for his performances in age-group cricket.
Rahul Dravid’s Net Worth Details
Rahul Dravid’s net worth is estimated to be $40 million (approximately ₹320 crores) as of 2025. This impressive wealth comes from his cricket career earnings, coaching salary, endorsements, and investments.
Contract
Rahul Dravid is currently under contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as the head coach of the Indian national cricket team.
His contract was extended in November 2023 after the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings (Approx.) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1996-2012 | ₹100 crores | Playing career (International cricket and IPL) |
| 2013-2021 | ₹30 crores | Coaching roles (India A, U-19, NCA) |
| 2021-2025 | ₹48 crores | Indian national team head coach |
| Total | ₹178 crores | – |
Endorsements
- Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
- Practo
- Piramal Realty
- Farmley
- Knest
- ARS Steel
- Shriram Finance
- Roombr
- Salesforce
- Max Life Insurance
- Gillette
- Reebok (during playing career)
- Pepsi (during playing career)
- Castrol (during playing career)
Career Stats
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| Most catches in Test cricket | 210 catches |
| Most balls faced in Test cricket | 31,258 balls |
| Only player to be involved in 500+ partnerships | 738 partnerships |
| Most runs in a calendar year by an Indian | 1,357 runs (1999) |
| Only Indian to score centuries in 4 consecutive Test innings | 4 centuries in 4 innings (2002) |
| First player to score a century against all Test-playing nations | Achieved in 2004 |
FAQs
What is Rahul Dravid’s highest Test score?
Rahul Dravid’s highest Test score is 270, which he achieved against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in 2004.
How many centuries did Rahul Dravid score in his international career?
Rahul Dravid scored a total of 48 centuries in his international career – 36 in Tests and 12 in ODIs.
What role did Rahul Dravid play in India’s 2011 World Cup-winning campaign?
Rahul Dravid was not part of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad. His last World Cup appearance was in 2007.
Has Rahul Dravid ever captained the Indian cricket team?
Yes, Rahul Dravid captained the Indian cricket team in both Tests and ODIs. He led India in 25 Tests and 79 ODIs between 2003 and 2007.
What is Rahul Dravid’s coaching philosophy?
Rahul Dravid’s coaching philosophy emphasizes process over results, mental toughness, and developing a strong domestic cricket structure to nurture talent.
Did Rahul Dravid play in the Indian Premier League (IPL)?
Yes, Rahul Dravid played in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore (2008-2010) and Rajasthan Royals (2011-2013). He later served as a mentor for Rajasthan Royals.
What educational qualifications does Rahul Dravid have?
Rahul Dravid has a degree in commerce from St. Joseph’s College of Commerce, Bangalore. He was pursuing an MBA when he was selected for the Indian cricket team.
Has Rahul Dravid won any major ICC tournaments as a player or coach?
As a player, Rahul Dravid was part of the Indian team that won the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy (shared with Sri Lanka). As a coach, he led India to victory in the 2018 U-19 World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.
What is Rahul Dravid’s approach to fitness and preparation?
Rahul Dravid is known for his meticulous preparation and disciplined approach to fitness. He emphasizes the importance of physical and mental conditioning in modern cricket.
How has Rahul Dravid contributed to Indian cricket post-retirement?
Post-retirement, Rahul Dravid has played a significant role in shaping Indian cricket through his coaching roles with India A, U-19, and the National Cricket Academy.
He has been instrumental in developing young talent and creating a strong pipeline of players for the national team.
