Seven things to learn from Rahul Dravid

Be prepared to play bigger role

The captaincy (for both Indian Test and ODI teams) came calling to RD in October 2005. He wholeheartedly accepted the challenge. Having been in Indian team think-tank for close to five years as a vice-captain had helped him with preparedness.

In fact, the captaincy was not a new thing to him - he had already led Karnataka team to Ranji Trophy Championship in 1998. Also for India during the period 2000-05, he had got several opportunities to stand in for Sourav Ganguly whenever he was not available.

Under him, India chased down the totals a record 16 consecutive times in 50-over format. In Tests, India achieved great success in away series' winning in West Indies after the gap of 35 years and in England after 21 years. He led Indian Test team scripting its first victories in Pakistan and South Africa as well.

In the shortest format also, he was at the helm of affairs for Rajasthan Royals for two years. He led his team to playoffs in 2013 edition of IPL and to the finals of Champions League in the same year.

Learning Takeaway - In any profession, one needs to be aspirant to play higher role whenever it comes his/her way. But for that, the preparedness is important! One should always need to lookout for honing the skills needed to perform higher role.