Rahul Dravid hails Kallis as 'the Gary Sobers of our generation'

Dravid and Kallis during the ICC awards ceremony

Indian legend Rahul Dravid heaped praise on retiring South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis by calling him ‘the Gary Sobers of our generation’. Dravid who is in England doing commentary told BBC’s Test Match Special during the game when news broke in regarding the legendary all-rounder’s ODI retirement.

Kallis who initially wanted to carry on playing ODI Cricket for South Africa till the World Cup next year suddenly went back on his decision following a poor series in Sri Lanka recently. He retired from Test Cricket after the home series against India, but with this we have seen him for the very last time in South African colours. Apart from Dravid, many present and ex-cricketers paid tribute to the legend.

Dravid also recently spoke about Kallis as a part of ESPN Cricinfo’s new series ‘the modern masters’. He praised the veteran’s fitness despite the workload over the years and mentioned about his batting technique and calm presence in the middle. He was also quick to point out that South Africa’s biggest challenge would be to replace the big man once he retires and now the time has well and truly arrived.

He will continue to play for the Kolkata Knight Riders in this year’s Champions League and also in the IPL next season. Apart from that, he has also signed a two year deal to play in the Big Bash in Australia.

"The Gary Sobers of our generation" Rahul Dravid pays tribute to Jacques Kallis who has announced his international retirement

— BBC TMS (@bbctms) July 30, 2014