Let's put things into perspective. Sachin Tendulkar might have scored more Test runs than any other cricketer in the world, but it is Rahul Dravid who has faced more deliveries. If there was ever a batsman who put a price on his wicket, it was Dravid. No wonder everyone calls him ‘The Wall’.

As Dravid celebrates his 46th birthday on Friday, here is a compilation of quotes that explain why cricketers and fans shower unconditional love on him even after his retirement from the game.

Brett Lee, former Australian paceman

"If you can't get along with Dravid, you're struggling in life"


Glenn McGrath, former Australian fast bowler

"Dravid has been a class player for a long time now and we know his ability better than anyone. He's not like the other guys who love scoring off every ball, and there's no real weakness in his game either"


Shoaib Akhtar, former Pakistan fast bowler

"Even though Sachin is great, I have always found Rahul more solid and hard to get out. He has a solid defence and plays less shots than others. When a batsman plays less shots then it is tough to get him as he makes less mistakes."


Javagal Srinath, Dravid’s former team-mate

"I have also not seen him lose his temper. He has that uncanny skill of keeping his frustrations to himself. He hates to get out though and you can see the restlessness in him till he gets his act together in the next outing. He is the most hard-working guy in the side."


Allan Border, former Australian captain

"Everyone has already exhausted superlatives so I would not bother myself with any additional praise but you could be sure my admiration for him has grown tremendously."


Muttaiah Muralitharan, Sri Lankan spin legend

“Rahul is always been in the shadow of Sachin. If you take his record it’s as good as Sachin's but you cannot compare both as they are different kind of players. Rahul is a complete cricketer."


Shane Warne, Australian spin great

"Rahul Dravid being known as 'The Wall' is pretty much spot on. 'The fortress' could also describe Rahul. Because once, Dravid was set, you needed the bowling equivalent of a dozen cannon firing all at once to blast him down."


Chris Gayle, West Indies’ opener

"Dravid could play attacking cricket like me but I could never play like him."


Shahid Afridi, former Pakistan captain

Afridi’s response when asked about his favourite player, "Rahul Dravid."


Brian Lara, West Indies’ batting great

"If I have to put anyone to bat for my life, it’ll be (Jacques) Kallis or Dravid."


Navjot Singh Sidhu, former India batsman

"Rahul Dravid is a player who would walk on broken glass if his team asks him to."


Matthew Hayden, former Australian opener

"All this going around is not aggression. If you want to see aggression on cricket field, look into Rahul Dravid’s eyes."


Peter O’ Toole, legendary Irish actor

“Everyone  praises Sachin Tendulkar. He may be a genius in his own right but in my book, Rahul Dravid is the artist. Dravid’s defence tactics, his strokes, his cuts, his grace are truly amazing. I’d like to meet the chap sometime and take my hat off to him.”


Sachin Tendulkar, batting legend and Dravid’s teammate

“He (Dravid) is a perfect role model for youngsters. He has set a great example for all of us to follow. We are all trying to follow that path."


Mahesh Bhupathi, former Indian tennis player

“He deserves his success as he has worked hard for it. He is one of the most down to earth and disciplined professionals I’ve met.”


Ian Chappell, former Australian captain

“Team in trouble? Whom do you turn to? Rahul Dravid!”

 

Steve Waugh, former Australian captain

"Rahul is the kind of person who young cricketers can look up to; not only because of his success but also because of the way he conducts himself."