Former Pakistan pacer Yasir Arafat has recently recalled a heartwarming gesture by legendary Indian batsman Rahul Dravid in England in 2014.
In 2014, Dravid had gone to Lord’s to ring the bell for the second Test between India and England, and Arafat was playing in the T20 Blast competition in England as well.
Recalling his meeting with Dravid, the former Pakistan cricketer recalled that he had spotted the former India captain outside the Lord’s cricket stadium, hailing a taxi, and when he called his name out, Dravid heard him and let the taxi driver go without boarding the car.
Later, Dravid came up to the former Pakistan all-rounder and spoke to him for at least 10 to 15 minutes regarding his cricket career and personal life. He was really impressed with Dravid’s kindness as he stopped for him despite he was not a big name in Pakistan cricket.
Narrating the story on the Sports Yaari YouTube channel, Arafat said: “Rahul Dravid had come to Lord’s to do commentary for a match. After the game, he was leaving the stadium. He hailed a taxi and was going to sit in the car when I shouted ‘Rahul Bhai’ from a distance.”
He added, “He heard my voice and asked the driver to go; he left the cab to talk to me. I have not played much cricket for Pakistan. Still, Rahul spoke to me for 10-15 minutes. He asked me about my cricket and my family. I felt really good.”
Meanwhile, Yasir played only three Tests for Pakistan and took nine wickets, with Dravid being his maiden Test wicket in December 2007 in a Test against India, and the former pacer called it the most prized wicket of his career, saying it was a big achievement for him.
He signed off by saying, “Taking Rahul Dravid’s wicket to open my account in Test cricket was a big achievement for me. I can say Rahul Dravid’s wicket is the most prized one of my career.”
