Rahul Dravid was one of India’s greatest batsmen ever to grace the game of cricket. Regarded as one of the best in the business by many, Dravid played 164 Tests and 344 ODIs for India and scored more than 10,000 runs in both the formats. As he turns 44, we look at two innings that showed us his class, talent and pedigree.

A stunning 146 at the Oval

Dravid battled hostile English conditions in India’s tour of England in 2011. India had already lost the series 0-3 and the final Test match at The Oval offered a chance to salvage some pride. England ran riot as they scored 591/6. Dravid opened the innings along with Virender Sehwag as regular opener Gautam Gambhir was injured. The Indian batsmen failed to read the pitch falling at regular intervals. However, Dravid remained unbeaten on 146 as India were bowled out for 300. His knock showed his teammates that lack of application led to their downfall in the series.

Pakistan meet the Wall

One of Dravid’s greatest innings will be the 270 he struck against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Pakistan were bowled out for 224 in the first innings. In came Dravid at No. 3 as he began onslaught nobody saw coming. He smashed 270 and took India’s total to 600. Pakistan were bowled out for 245 in the second innings handing India a victory by an innings and 131 runs. However, the architect on the series win was Dravid without a doubt.

The man himself though, in typically unassuming style, celebrated his birthday by sharing a touching video of the people who make us love cricket: