'It's a great privilege' - Rahul Dravid grateful to have received Lifetime Achievement Award at Naman Awards

Published - 16 Mar 2026, 18:04 IST | Updated - 16 Mar 2026, 18:32 IST

Former legendary batter Rahul Dravid expressed heartfelt gratitude after receiving the prestigious Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award at the Naman Awards 2026 organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), stating that he felt privileged to be recognised among some of the greatest legends of Indian cricket. The ceremony was held on Sunday, March 15, in New Delhi.

Dravid shared the honour with former BCCI president Roger Binny, while legendary cricketer Mithali Raj received the award for her immense contributions towards the sport. The Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honour given by the BCCI to former Indian cricketers for their contribution to the sport.

Reflecting on the recognition, Dravid said the award carried special meaning as many iconic figures of Indian cricket had previously received the same honour and had inspired him throughout his journey in the game.

"I am very grateful to receive this award. I mean, follow the earlier recipients of this award, you know, are some of the greatest legends of the game in our country. It's really people I have looked up to, I have admired, have been great inspirations to me as a player and as a coach and all the other things that I've been involved in Indian cricket," Dravid was quoted as saying by NDTV Sports.

The former India head coach added that the recognition was deeply humbling and reflected a journey that began in his early years of age-group cricket. Dravid further explained that he always viewed his role in Indian cricket as continuing a legacy created by earlier generations.

"So, it's a great privilege, it's very grateful for that honour, very humbled, and I think, you know, very appreciative of the fact that I've been able to be involved in Indian cricket for such a long time. Since the time I was a young boy, probably playing under 15 cricket for the first time, to today and very grateful for the opportunities that I've had," he continued.

"I think that I've always just seen my role as just carrying a torch. I carried a torch from an earlier generation, whether I was a player or a coach. I have just built on the good work that other people have done. I have had my time when I've had the opportunity to contribute and do the best that I can," the Indian legend concluded.

During his illustrious international career, he amassed more than 24,000 runs and served as a pillar of India’s batting line-up for over a decade, while he also led the Indian team to a T20 World Cup victory in 2024.