For most of his career, Rahul Sharad Dravid seemed destined to be Indian cricket's perennial bridesmaid -- every big knock he played, a teammate would come along and go one better. India's most underrated batsman finally got his due when he scored Test centuries on the trot, and powered his way out of the long shadows of a talented line-up.

Simultaneously, Dravid, by agreeing to keep wickets, played a key role in changing the fortunes of the one-day squad - his donning of the gloves giving the side an extra, and much needed, batting option. This led directly to the team's dream run in England, and then in the recent ICC Champions' Trophy tournament in Sri Lanka.

The Indian vice-captain will be 30 on January 11.

Join us in wishing him on his birthday.