Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble, two of India’s cricket giants, now have stands named after them at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on February 13. It was the occasion of celebration as KSCA honoured the heroes who shaped Indian cricket and made Karnataka proud.
KSCA honors Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble in grand celebration
Rahul Dravid, the Wall of Indian cricket, has been a pillar of strength for decades. The spin master Kumble remains India’s highest wicket-taker in Tests and ODIs. Their journeys inspired countless youngsters, and now their names will always echo every time the crowd roars at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The emotion was intense as Dravid looked moved. The former Indian head coach remembered the countless hours spent at the ground, where he experienced joy, heartbreak, pressure, and triumph. The legendary batter also spoke of childhood memories.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Read Also: India, Pakistan players to train together? ICC reveals T20 World Cup 2026 arrangements
Rahul Dravid said at the event, “It’s been a second home to me, and it’s been a place where, as Anil said, we probably spent more time here than we have spent in our houses. It’s been a place of great happiness, sometimes great disappointment as well, but a place that has truly given me everything I am today. I can never be more grateful for what the KSCA and this great ground and this iconic ground have given me in my life.”
Rahul Dravid remembers father’s big role in his journey; thanks KSCA for the honour
Rahul Dravid also expressed deep gratitude to Venkatesh Prasad, former Indian pacer and current president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and the committee for this recognition. The former Indian captain said the tribute carries immense meaning, not just for him but also for his family.
He also recalled how his father’s love for cricket was really instrumental in creating that love for the game in him. Dravid shared that his father used to take him to watch matches, including Ranji Trophy games and international tests, regularly when he was a child.
Dravid added, “Whenever he would take leave, he would bring me to come for at least one day of cricket in every match when I was a young kid. I think he would be so proud today to know that his son has an end named after him.”
Read Also: ‘Unhealthy’ Abhishek Sharma to be unleashed vs Pakistan in T20 World Cup 2026
It’s truly special: Anil Kumble on honour
Meanwhile, Anil Kumble mentioned that Karnataka’s success is the result of collective effort. The former Indian head coach further said that the rise of cricket in the state is built on the contributions of many players, coaches, and staff over the years. Notably, M Chinnaswamy Stadium completed 50 years as an international venue on February 13.
Kumble said in an official release, “I don’t think it would be out of turn to state that all our contributions have made Karnataka cricket what it is, just as Karnataka cricket is what has made all of us. It’s not really about whose name is on which stand. It’s truly special that all the contributions have been recognized and are now permanently etched in the stadium.”
Notably, Kumble is India’s leading wicket-taker in both Tests and ODIs, finishing his career with a massive 953 international wickets. Dravid is one of India’s greatest batters, scoring over 24,000 runs in 504 matches across formats, with 48 centuries and 145 fifties to their name.
