Rahul Dravid Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at BCCI Naman Awards 2026

Rahul Dravid Receives Prestigious Award

On March 16, in New Delhi, former Indian cricket coach Rahul Dravid expressed his heartfelt appreciation after being awarded the Lifetime Achievement honor at the BCCI Naman Awards 2026. He felt privileged to be recognized alongside some of the most legendary figures in Indian cricket.

Dravid, together with former BCCI president Roger Binny, was presented with the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, while Mithali Raj was honored with the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award for Women during the esteemed ceremony.

The BCCI Naman Awards celebrate remarkable achievements and significant contributions across various levels of cricket, including international, domestic, and age-group formats, while honoring individuals who have played a pivotal role in the sport's development in India.

The Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest accolade given by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to former players for their exceptional contributions to the game.

Dravid remarked that this award holds special meaning for him, as many iconic players who have received it before have inspired him throughout his career as both a player and a coach.

He stated, "I am incredibly thankful to receive this award. The previous recipients are some of the greatest legends in our country's cricket history. They are individuals I have admired and looked up to, serving as great inspirations in my journey as a player and coach."

The former head coach of India mentioned that this recognition is a humbling reflection of his extensive journey in cricket, which began in his youth during age-group competitions.

Dravid expressed, "It’s a tremendous privilege, and I am very grateful for this honor. I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had since I first played under-15 cricket to this day."

He emphasized the significance of continuity in Indian cricket, viewing his role as one of carrying forward the legacy established by previous generations.

Dravid added, "I have always seen my role as carrying a torch from earlier generations, whether as a player or a coach. I have built upon the excellent work done by others. I have had my time to contribute and do my best."

He commended the current crop of Indian cricketers and administrators for their efforts in furthering this legacy and elevating the game.

Dravid concluded, "I am proud and grateful to witness how the next generation continues this legacy, and the successes we have achieved are a testament to the current management, team, and everyone involved in Indian cricket. We all have our time in the game, and I have tried to do my best, inspired by those before me, and it’s remarkable to see future generations take it to new heights."

Recognized for his exceptional contributions to Indian cricket as both a legendary batsman and a significant coach, Dravid scored over 24,000 runs during his international career, anchoring India's batting lineup for over a decade and playing a crucial role in numerous historic victories.

Post-retirement, he has been instrumental in shaping the future of Indian cricket through his work at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), enhancing player development and leading India’s U-19 team to the 2018 ICC U-19 World Cup title. As the head coach of the Indian men's team, he also guided India to victory in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, solidifying his enduring impact on the sport.