Key figures in India's emergence as a force to reckon with in one-day cricket, skipper Sourav Ganguly, deputy Rahul Dravid and coach John Wright were honoured yesterday at Mumbai when they were all presented with honorary life memberships to the Cricket Club of India (CCI).

The CCI is one of India's oldest clubs, steeped in the best traditions that the British brought to India. Raj Singh Dungarpur, former president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), presented the trio with the membership at the CK Nayudu Hall in the club. The CCI remains an exclusive club to this day, giving out a few memberships each year to promising young cricketers as playing members. Recently, the club has also taken to giving honorary memberships to deserving people who have made a serious contribution to Indian cricket.

Dungarpur, never short of words, said at the occasion, "I am said to be very critical about Ganguly, but I must say he has improved since. He is an outstanding batsman and captain. He has proved it. He has earned the membership the hard way. Rahul is a superlative batsman and was responsible for recommending John Wright's name as India's coach. I also played a small part in bringing John. They deserve the membership," according to the Hindu newspaper.

Also present was Polly Umrigar, former captain of India and Mumbai great. He singled out Dravid's performance in England for special praise. "He was superb and outstanding. I wish I could have been half as good as he was in England. Most willing he was to keep wicket, and he worked for the team, which is laudable. He was adequately rewarded."

In typical fashion, a humble Dravid said, "I cannot believe it's happening to me. I am right amidst so many cricketers in this hall. I feel proud and blessed. It was always a dream to become a member of the CCI. It's here that I scored my first international hundred playing for the India under-19 team. The membership is like a dream come true for me."

Apart from numerous former first-class and India cricketers, former Aussie great Bob Simpson was also present at the gathering. Widely respected as one of the best coaches in the world, Simpson spoke a few words about Wright. "There were times when I felt he was an Australian. I still remember the days he spent in the Australian dressing room, picking my brains. He is a quiet, kind, strong, and a man of great integrity. He has a lot of common sense, but above all he has the respect of the Indian team."

Never one for dramatic shows of affection, Wright responded, "There are special moments in life, and Monday is one for being at the CCI. I don't know if I have been a good coach. Only time will tell. But I must say that the Indian team is wonderfully talented and great ambassadors for their country. The fielding and running between the wickets can improve. It helps being fit. India is a great nation, and the people celebrate an Indian victory."

While the BCCI has often failed to recognise the contributions of various people to Indian cricket, the CCI continues to make sure that they do not make the same mistake.

© CricInfo