BUILT TO LAST

The foundation of greatness: technique, patience, and unwavering discipline.

The Architectural Blueprint

Like a fortress built to withstand centuries, Rahul Dravid's batting was constructed on unshakeable fundamentals. Every element served a purpose. Every movement was measured. Nothing was left to chance. This was cricket's most dependable structure.

The Technique

The Stance

Perfectly Balanced

  • ▪Weight distribution - 50/50, ready to move
  • ▪Head position - still as stone, eyes level
  • ▪Bat pickup - straight, no flourish
  • ▪Feet position - shoulder width, grounded

"Still as stone"

The Defense

The Wall Itself

  • ▪Forward defense - bat and pad, one unit
  • ▪Back foot defense - right behind the line
  • ▪Soft hands - dead ball at feet
  • ▪High elbow - textbook perfection

"Bat and pad, one unit"

The Leave

Knowing What Not to Play

  • ▪Judgment outside off - impeccable
  • ▪Shoulder arms - with authority
  • ▪Patience personified - let it go
  • ▪Understanding your game - discipline

"The most important shot"

The Concentration

Hours at the Crease

  • ▪Mental fortitude - unbreakable focus
  • ▪Ball-by-ball approach - one at a time
  • ▪Session thinking - build the innings
  • ▪Reset after each ball - fresh start

"Every delivery, fresh start"

Time at Crease

Patience isn't passive. It's active resistance. It's choosing to stay when everything tells you to go. Dravid didn't just bat long—he made time his weapon.

Longest Innings (Balls)
vs Pakistan, Rawalpindi 2004
495
Most Balls in Single Test
vs Pakistan, Rawalpindi 2004
835
Average Balls per Innings
Highest among top batsmen
190.7
Minutes at Crease (Career)
Over 735 hours
44,152
"Dravid didn't just occupy the crease. He owned it. Time bent to his will."

— Cricket historians