Dravid was India's best overseas batsman, says Hayden

“Rahul Dravid is the best role model for kids” says Matthew Hayden

Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has heaped praise on legendary Indian batsman Rahul Dravid, branding him the best Indian batsman in foreign conditions, reports Times of India.

Dravid who amassed 13,288 runs in a glorious Test career spanning over 16 years, was considered by many, as the epitome of Test batsmanship, with steely technique and patience to go along with measured strokeplay.

Hayden, who is coaching kids in Noida at a camp arranged by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, said the former Karnataka batsman was a player who approached Tests in the perfect manner.

“I've said it many times and I'll say it again. I feel Rahul Dravid is the best role model for kids. I told the kids at the training camp that they need to look up to someone like Dravid as a role model. Even though he was rightly called the 'Wall' and he based his game purely on defence, he was a great competitor,” Hayden stated.

Playing Tests in England, Australia and South Africa is a great yard stick to measure a cricketer’s technique and that’s where Dravid flourished, which is a testament to his outstanding track record.

“Dravid made so many runs away from home, which is the hallmark of a great player. He was India's best player away from home and in order to be the best in the world, you have to be the best around the world, not just at home. That’s what set Dravid apart,” the Queenslander added.

The former opener credits the aggressive nature of the current Indian batsmen to the quality of batsmen that have played for India in the last decade and a half.

“The main reason behind this (aggressive approach) I think is that the role models for budding cricketers in this region over the last 10 or 15 years have also been quite attacking in their approach to the game.

“You have your Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, and of course MS Dhoni. They’re all stroke players and play a fearless, aggressive brand of cricket.”

The former opener, who made his comeback to the Australian team against India in the famous 2001 series, said he always had a special place in his heart for India, especially the cuisine.

“I've admired and appreciated the affection that India has shown me over the years. I've always had a very lovely association with the people, the game and the food here. The general culture here, the way you celebrate your festivals.

“There seems to be no indifference among the people of India. I love food; so, to me, it's an easy and diverse place to eat. The best and my absolute favourite by a long way is the yellow dal,” the southpaw concluded.