Rahul Dravid played for Scotland after 2003 World Cup. Photo: Cricket Scotland X
Rahul Dravid has turned a year older and he is celebrating his 52nd birthday on Saturday (January 11). The former India captain is gearing up for the upcoming IPL season, where he will spearhead the coaching staff of Rajasthan Royals (RR). After the end of a successful stint as Team India's head coach, Dravid rejoined RR after 9 years.
Dravid had a long international career and he played 164 Tests, 344 ODIs and a T20I. Dravid made his India debut in April 1996. He played his last game for the country in January 2012. Dravid was one of the most sought-after players and he also played county cricket in England.
Apart from the county, he also played for Scotland. Yes, Dravid played 12 matches for Scotland during his three-month stint with them. The matches weren't given an international status.
A newly married Rahul Dravid was accompanied by his wife during his three-month stint with Scotland, where he played second division of the National Cricket League. His contract worth 45,000 pounds was funded by NRIs living in Scotland.
Dravid kicked off his Scotland stint with a 25-run knock against Hampshire. He failed to open his account against Pakistan in a tour game. Dravid returned to form after early struggles and finished his stint with 600 runs at a solid average of 66.66. He hit 3 centuries and 2 half-centuries.
Four years later, Dravid returned to Scotland for an ODI as the captain of Team India. India chased down the target of 209 with ease. “I enjoyed the friendships with players, officials, something I maintain till today. For both me and my wife it was a special three months to get love and warmth of the people of Scotland. I would have loved the game to have been at the Grains, though," he had said in 2007.
Dravid-coached India never played Scotland. Overall, the two teams have locked horns in one ODI and a T20I. India won both matches. The 2007 T20 World Cup match between the two teams was washed out due to rain.
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