The key to greatness is context. The greats thrive when the occasion, and their team, demand it. Rahul Dravid made a powerful claim to greatness in 2002, stepping up almost every time India were in a crisis. In their first away-Test of the year, at Georgetown, India were 99 for 3 chasing West Indies' 501, and Dravid made 144 not out - never mind the blow on the jaw that needed painkillers - to avoid the follow-on and seal the draw. Four months later, he walked out at Trent Bridge with India 260 behind and made a doughty 115 to save the match and prevent India going 0-2 down in the series. Then, in the next Test at Headingley, he helped make it 1-1 with a monumental 148 in difficult conditions. A double-hundred at The Oval was followed by his fourth century in a row, in Mumbai, against West Indies. His relentless application and his unwavering focus complemented his superb technique and classical strokeplay perfectly. He was India's batsman of the year. Amit Varma

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