Watch: Rahul Dravid receives a guard of honour from the Bengaluru cricket academy’s instructors and students

It was the ideal final task for Rahul Dravid, the now-former Indian cricket team head coach. One of his most memorable moments was his final game with the team, which culminated in India winning an ICC trophy after an 11-year absence. Team members and support personnel showered him with praise after the victory, praising his qualities and contributions. It was the ideal departure, with congratulations from former cricket players and dignitaries following suit.

After the team’s return from the Caribbean, Dravid met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the morning and had breakfast. Then, a historic celebration was planned at Wankhede Stadium, and they left for Mumbai to take part in a huge open-top bus procession. After the momentous victory, ‘The Wall’ got back to Bengaluru a little over a week later, far from the media attention, and was able to take a breather in his hometown.

About thirty km from his home in Indiranagar, the 51-year-old was spotted at a cricket academy. The cameraman caught the evergreen Dravid coming down the white staircase into a lower level room, amid the cheers and congratulations of the academy’s trainers. He was also given a bouquet of flowers as a thank you gift by one of the coaches.

The scene that developed was nothing short of spectacular, with young academy pupils arranged on either side of the route, their bats held aloft in a respectful manner, making for an imposing welcome worthy of a king or queen. He extended a warm greeting and shook hands with a number of kids, always beaming with joy. In keeping with his long-standing reputation with humility and grace, he also gestured for the modest assemblage of parents and children to cease their commendations.