Indian batting legend Rahul Dravid may like to maintain a low-profile, but his exemplary actions keep putting him under the spotlight. And this time around, netizens are in such awe of the former star Indian batsman that they are rallying behind him to be the next Prime Minister of India. Yes, Twitterverse is abuzz with ‘Rahul Dravid for PM’ messages! For those who are wondering why Twitterati is after Dravid to take up country’s highest post, here’s what happened. Remember, Dravid was paid handsomely by BCCI for playing a crucial role as head coach of India’s emphatic win in ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Unhappy over board’s decision to pay him more than other cricketing staff, the star player slashed down his incentives to ensure pay parity!

Dravid has always been a team player, be it during his playing days or now, in the coach’s role. We have seen and applauded Bangalore cricketer’s selfless act in the past, a trait that makes him a legend. He helped Prithvi Shaw-led Indian side to lift Under-19 ICC Cricket World Cup 2018 trophy recently held in February. A jubilant Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced attractive incentives to the winning team, with Rs 50 lakh to be given to Dravid, Rs 20 lakh each to members of support staff, and Rs 30 lakh each to the players.

However, the huge gap in payments left Rahul Dravid highly disappointed who constantly maintained the success was a result of equal hard work on everyone’s part. But Dravid did not just express displeasure but also took efforts to make sure BCCI agreed to his proposal of curbing pay disparity. BCCI has now announced that every member of the coaching staff, including the head coach, will receive Rs 25 lakh. This greatness and selfless act on Dravid’s part has floored his fans and in general, aam janta who are rooting for him to be India’s Prime Minister.

Twitterverse is abuzz with 'Rahul Dravid for PM' chants!

A BCCI member was quoted saying in Indian Express report, “From the time the award was announced, Dravid wasn’t happy with him getting much more than others. He informed the Board that he felt that every member had played an equal role in the team winning the World Cup. It surprised many in the BCCI that he was ready to take a cut in his own earning.”

This is not the first time and definitely not the last when we have seen the best of Rahul Dravid’s greatness. There have been several instances in the past when India’s best No. 3 batsman proved he was the real gentleman.

1. Rahul Dravid Denied Honorary Doctorate

Giving ranks, designations or doctorate degrees to a cricketer is a common practice. Institutions and universities, do it to honour the cricketers, however, when Bangalore University decided to award Rahul Dravid with a doctorate degree, the man of steel turned it down, politely, of course. The Karnataka player reasoned out saying that he would prefer to earn the Ph.D. degree through research. Dravid was quoted as saying, "The thing about the doctorate is that my mom did her PhD and earned a doctorate at the age of 55. My wife’s a surgeon who studied seven years to get a degree in surgery. And I’ve always felt that if it was something I wanted, I would like to have earned it. I don’t mean that anyone else should have that feeling and I’m not trying to belittle anyone else. It’s just that I felt that way, because of my own experiences." Hats off, champ!

2. Rahul Dravid Stood in Queue for Science Fair

In the country where catchphrase 'Tu jaanta nahi mera baap kaun hai' (Do you even know who my father is) to get their work done, we have a gem of person like Dravid who instead using his celebrity status completely believes in manners. Unlike hot-headed celebs who love to throw tantrums publicly, Rahul Dravid was spotted standing in a queue for his turn to come while visiting a science fair. It is almost unbelievable to see such a down-to-earth personality.

3. Rahul Dravid Comforts a Fan Suffering from Cancer, Apologises for Not Meeting in Person

There is no dearth of stories showing Dravid’s kindness but this one takes the cake. A fan of Rahul Dravid was battling cancer and longed to meet his idol. Without much hope, the man’s relatives tried to contact the star batsman. Much to the surprise of everyone, Dravid’s wife Vijeta contacted them after going through their emails. As promised, Rahul Dravid had a heart-to-heart talk with his dying fans for an hour and in fact, also went on to apologise for not meeting him in person.

This man is not just a cricketing genius but a true example of what a human being should be like. Rahul Dravid is an epitome of real gentleman and we all know the importance of humanity in the present times.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 27, 2018 04:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).