Cricketer of the year award for Rahul Dravid

It's been a great year for Rahul Dravid. Fittingly enough, the 26-year-old stylish Indian batsman was awarded the Castrol Cricketer of the Year award for 1998-99 at a function in New Delhi yesterday. Dravid was voted the best by past and present Indian players. He was nominated for the award along with a host of other star competitors - Sachin Tendulkar, who was the winner last year when the award was instituted, Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath and Saurav Ganguly.

Dravid, who has got runs in a classy manner in both Tests and one day games, was richer by Rs five lakhs. Young Mumbai left arm spinner Rajesh Pawar was given the award for the most proming junior.