India Inc has far decided to stand by Rahul Dravid even after he has tendered his resignation as captain of Team India.
?The Wall? as he is better known, has added much strength to several brands ranging from consumer durables, lubricants, insurance to personal care products. So, when FE spoke to a cross section of companies that have used the Dravid tag for their brand, it found that as long as he continues to be a member of the national team, the brands he endorses will continue with him.
Sansui Ltd, director, Anil Khera said, ?We have signed Rahul Dravid as a brand ambassador for both ?Sansui? and ?Kelvinator? in November 2006. Even though Dravid has resigned as the captain, he will continue to be our brand ambassador till he plays for Team India.?
According to AS Ramchander, director – automotive business, Castrol, ?Rahul Dravid is a great man. We will continue to associate with him for the long term and not do away with a bright cricketer like him, just because he has ceased to be the captain.?
Gillette has chosen Rahul Dravid from India as an ambassador for its worldwide Gillette Winner Program. This programme was started by Gillette in February 2007.
The programme echoes Gillette?s philosophy, ?Be your best today?, and epitomises the commitment of sportspersons to perform to their optimal capacity. Gillette officials say, ?Dravid is a great cricketer and also represents the brand values of Gillette in terms of excellence in men?s grooming. Although Dravid has resigned as captain of Team India, he continues to be a player. Hence, it is too early to comment on his exit or continuation as a brand ambassador for Gillette.?
Anchor Electricals & Electronics officials said, ?Since Rahul Dravid has resigned from Team India as a captain, we may look at opting him out as a brand ambassador for Anchor. But, we have to yet to finally decide on that front as he still serves his team excellently. Since the time Dravid has become the captain of Team India, Anchor has been very fond of him.?