Hardik Pandya, Rahul Dravid, KL Rahul
Rahul Dravid is a class of his own. (Credits - Twitter)

Former India captain, Rahul Dravid recently talked about how youngsters should look forward to their careers. He also shared his views on sportsmanship and his relationship with the opponents.

Rahul Dravid, who is currently the head of the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, was known for ice-cool temperament even in the most intense of the situations while batting. Dravid has always been a highly respected personality- on and off the field. The right-hander amassed more than 24,000 international runs. He did that during his 17-year career, staying away from any ugly controversy and always playing with grace.

Winning Or Losing Doesn't Make You A Lesser Player: Rahul Dravid Talks About Sportsmanship
Rahul Dravid. (Credits: Web)

You don’t have to be mean and nasty to be successful: Rahul Dravid

In a recent interview, Rahul Dravid advises the youngsters to respect the game, the rules, and the opposition as well, along with each and every person involved in the game. Dravid says that if the player is just focused on winning or losing, it becomes nothing but a business. Instead, Dravid suggests to focus on the process and the path, not solely the result.

Speaking to ET Now, Rahul Dravid said, “I think a certain amount of respect for the rules respect for regulations, respect for your opposition, respect for spectators, people who follow the sport, at a personal level I think is very very important. That really adds meaning to what you are doing, otherwise to me, it just becomes too transactional, just playing it for losing or winning or for the money.”

Rahul Dravid, Rahul Dravid Birth Day
Rahul Dravid (Credits: Twitter)

The former Rajasthan Royals skipper adds that winning or losing won’t make the player a lesser batsman or bowler. Also, he reckons that you can be just as competitive as anyone even by being nice and following all the rules.

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Dravid believes that you need not have to flashy, animated, or aggressive in the actions to make your presence felt. The 47-year-old says that your skills are not related to how you behave on the field. Dravid signs off by pointing out that several players have been successful without being mean, nasty, and by showing sportsmanship.

“I think to make that distinction, that doesn’t make you a lesser player, it shouldn’t have to make you a lesser player. Just because you follow the rules, just because you are the nice guy to shake hands with the opposition and genuinely understand what your responsibilities are in the larger scheme of things in the game, doesn’t make you less competitive or bowl a poor outswinger or not bat well.

“I think they are not related. You don’t have to be mean and nasty to be really successful,” Rahul Dravid added.

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