Rahul dravid: timeless steel by Rahul Dravid [hardcover]

Book Summary

• Timeless Steel is an anthology/biographical compilation released in July 2012 by ESPNcricinfo and Disney India, marking the year Rahul Dravid retired from international cricket. 

• Over 256 pages, it features 24–30 articles by cricket journalists, historians, teammates, and even his wife Vijeeta Dravid, arranged in thematic sections. Aspects covered include:

  • The Cricketer – technical mastery, adaptability across formats, key innings like 180 at Kolkata (2001), 148 at Leeds (2002), 233 & 72* in Adelaide (2003), 270 at Rawalpindi (2004). 

  • The Teammate – perspectives from peers like John Wright, Ed Smith, Greg Chappell highlighting humility, team spirit, versatility (batting, captaining, wicket‑keeping).

  • The Person – character portraits: integrity, intellectual curiosity, commitment to family, modesty—enhanced by intimate contributions from his wife. 

• Also included are four interviews with Dravid, his 2011 Bradman Oration speech, a statistical summary of his career, and an 18‑page photo gallery. 

• Reception: widely praised as a well‑compiled ode to “The Wall”. Critics note it’s drawn largely from previously published Cricinfo content, limiting novelty—but valued for its breadth and personal reflections.

In essence, Timeless Steel offers a multi‑angled tribute to Rahul Dravid—not just as India’s dependable batsman but as a gentleman of the sport.

About the Author

Rahul Dravid (born January 11, 1973, in Indore; grew up in Bengaluru) is one of India’s most revered cricketers. Nicknamed “The Wall”, he is celebrated for his technical finesse, mental resilience, and unshakeable temperament in both Test and ODI cricket.

Playing 164 Tests and scoring over 13,000 runs at an average above 52—including five double-centuries—and 344 ODIs with nearly 11,000 runs, Dravid ruled the crease with consistency and endurance. He holds the record for most catches by a non‑wicket‑keeper in Tests (210) and famously never got dismissed for a golden duck in 286 Test innings. 

Beyond his on-field feats, Dravid is equally respected off the field. Known for modesty, intellectual curiosity, leadership and mentorship, he has left an indelible mark on Indian cricket and popular culture.

After retiring in March 2012, Dravid turned to coaching and administration: he has served as head of India’s Under‑19, India A, National Cricket Academy, and most recently as head coach of the senior men’s team. Under his stewardship, India has seen sustained youth success and strong international performances. 

Awards include the Arjuna Award (1998), Padma Shri (2004), Padma Bhushan (2013) and induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame (2018)