Former Pakistan wicketkeeper batsman, Rashid Latif, heaped effusive praise on ex India captain and batting great, Rahul Dravid, saying he was in a league of his own with his water-tight defence and overall technique, as well as the ability to perform for the team in toughest of circumstances. 

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"When it comes to technique and performing under pressure, Rahul Dravid was one step ahead of all those who have represented India. Like I had mentioned in case of Sehwag, Dravid also played under the shadows of Tendulkar," Latif said on a YouTube show called ‘Caught Behind'.

Dravid scored 13,288 Test and 10,889 ODI runs for India an illustrious career spanning 16 years. 

"(Sachin) Tendulkar had a lot of confidence in him to attack from the beginning. This is not to suggest that Dravid didn't have that but he used to play a different role. When India lost a couple of early wickets, he was the main man, that's why he was called 'the Wall'," Latif said.

"If you look at the partnerships then you will find Dravid's name a lot of times with Tendulkar, Sehwag and (Sourav) Ganguly."

"I mean name me a place where he hasn't scored runs. He scored against Pakistan. He was good in Australia, South Africa, West Indies, England everywhere," he added. 

Apart from his exploits with the bat, Dravid was also a successful captain for Team India. Under him, the side pulled off historic series victories in England, West Indies and enjoyed a fine record against top 8 sides in the 50-over version. 

Dravid bid adieu to the international game in 2012, but remains involved in the betterment of Indian cricket, previously as the coach of the India A & U-19 sides and now being the head of National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore. 

(Inputs from IANS)