Teammates salute 'greatest number 3 bat' Dravid

The cricketing fraternity came together on Tuesday night to raise a toast for the retired Rahul Dravid as they fondly remembered the immense contribution of the batting stalwart, who emotionally remarked that he will miss being part of the Indian dressing room.

- Rahul Dravid retires

Accolades such as "huge pillar" of Indian cricket "greatest number 3 bat" and one of the "best cricketers and ambassadors" poured in from former and current teammates who paid glowing tributes during a star-studded felicitation function in Mumbai.

Former captains Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble, VVS Laxman and current skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni were among those who spoke at the function, attended by a galaxy of former cricketers, BCCI officials and other dignitaries.

Describing him as a "huge pillar", Ganguly said Dravid, who announced his retirement from international cricket on March 9, was a great ambassador of the game.

"You (Dravid) played in an era when Indian cricket went from strength to strength."

Ganguly rated his 180 against Australia at the Eden Gardens in 2001 as Dravid's best knock.

"As far his best knocks are concerned, there are bound to be debates. But as I had said always, the one at Eden Gardens is the best. Though I rate the knocks overseas highly, I think the knock at Eden with VVS (Laxman) not only established him in world cricket but was also important for Indian cricket.

"I am happy that he could take the decision on his own. His contribution to Indian cricket isn't finished with the number of runs he has scored or the catches he has taken, he is a great ambassador."

The left-hander said he was lucky to have Dravid as his deputy when he was the captain of the Indian team.

Recalling his long career, Dravid said Dhoni's team winning the ODI World Cup last year was a "special moment" for him.

"Mahi, you have to be proud of what you have done with this Indian team... it was a special moment for me to see the group of boys holding the World Cup last year after 2007 (when India were knocked out in the first round).

Dravid said having spent so much time with the team, he will now miss being part of the Indian dressing room.

"I will miss being part of the dressing room, the banter, the camaraderie but not so much the rap music," said Dravid, in a lighter vein.

The former Indian captain said he had made a pact with himself that he would not cry at any of the functions, and it was "tested to the limit" in the last two-three weeks.

Kumble, with whom Dravid combined to effect a number of dismissals, felt it would be difficult for anyone to emulate the cricketer.

"It's been a great partnership with you Rahul. When we look back we can gladly say we will only remember the wonderful memories. I just spoke about the 55 catches you have taken (off my bowling).

"When his first son Samit was born, somebody sms-ed saying caught Dravid b Kumble. But his son cannot be Rahul Dravid. It would be easier for his son to take two wickets than score the number of runs he has scored, just like it would be easier for my son to have a batting average of 18," Kumble said.