November 11, 2003	Tuesday	Ramazan 15, 1424

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BANGALORE (India), Nov 10: Stylish right-hand batsman Rahul Dravid, nicknamed ‘The Wall’ for his copybook batting style, was Monday voted as India’s top cricketer of the year.

According to officials, Dravid was locked in a fierce battle with team-mates Virender Sehwag and batting master Sachin Tendulkar for the honour.

“The Indian vice-captain received the highest number of votes from the voting population which comprises of all cricketers who have represented India in at least one Test match or five one-day internationals,” a statement issued by the organizers.

They said Dravid pipped Tendulkar by a single vote.

Dravid, 30, said he owed his success to the team.

“It is an honour when you play in a fantastic team. I thank the team for the support, especially for the job I do behind the wicket. Some of the bowlers know the wicketkeeper cannot collect everything.”

“It is also an honour to earn respect from your current colleagues and former cricketers who played the game,” Dravid told reporters after receiving the award for Rupees 500,000 (US$10,869).

The 69-Test veteran, who has scored 5,614 runs with 14 centuries, has been forced to don the gloves to add depth to the Indian batting line-up.

“It is a challenge but if it helps the team it is a nice feeling,” Dravid said. “When the team requires it you got to do it. It has been a good year for India as not one individual dominated the game. It was a team effort.”

Dravid also captained India during the last three matches of the ongoing limited-overs tournament which includes Australia and New Zealand.

Sunil Gavaskar, the first batsman to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket, received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Gavaskar’s 34 Test hundreds clocked 16 years ago still remain a world record.—AFP