Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has decided to honour legendary India cricketers Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble, naming stands after them at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Both stalwarts played a pivotal role in taking Karnataka cricket to greater heights before going on to represent the Indian team.
Kumble finished his illustrious career as India’s leading wicket-taker in Tests and ODIs, while Dravid stands second on the country’s all-time Test run charts behind Sachin Tendulkar.
Dravid turned a bit emotional after being bestowed with the honour of having a stand named after him, saying the ground had been like a second home where he experienced both highs and lows, often spending more time there than at home during his playing days.
"It's been a second home to me, and it's been a place where, as Anil said, we probably spent more time here than we have spent in our houses. It's been a place of great happiness, sometimes great disappointment as well, but a place that has truly given me everything I am today. I can never be more grateful for what the KSCA and this great ground and this iconic ground have given me in my life," Dravid said at the event.
The great batter recounted the deep influence of his father while expressing gratitude to the Venkatesh Prasad-headed KSCA for the honour.
"I'm really thankful and grateful that Venkatesh Prasad and his committee thought it to name an end after me. I know this would mean a lot. I know this would be a lot for my family. My father, a lot of you may know, loves the game. And he was really instrumental in creating that love for the sport that I have. He brought me here to so many games, not only Test matches but also Ranji Trophy games. Whenever he would take leave, he would bring me to come for at least one day of cricket in every match when I was a young kid. I think he would be so proud today to know that his son has an end named after him," he added.
On the other hand, Kumble was left overwhelmed by the recognition, stating that Karnataka cricket’s rise has always been a shared journey and the tribute at the stadium shows the combined efforts of everyone who shaped its success.
"I don't think it would be out of turn to state that all our contributions have made Karnataka cricket what it is, just as Karnataka cricket is what has made all of us. It's not really about whose name is on which stand. It's truly special that all the contributions have been recognized and are now permanently etched in the stadium," Kumble was quoted as saying in a media release.
