‘The boys deserve all the praise,’ Rahul Dravid lauds the young guns for their heroics in Australia


‘The boys deserve all the praise,’ Rahul Dravid lauds the young guns for their heroics in Australia

After appreciation poured in huge numbers for the young guns for their stellar performance to win the series 2-1 against Australia, praises hailed for the man who nurtured the young players, Rahul Dravid. Dravid raised most of the young guns who featured in Australia. Youngsters’ performance owes a lot to the behind-the-scenes preparation, who ensured India’s bench strength remains strong.

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Currently the Director of Cricket Operations at National Cricket Academy, Bengaluru, India, he also monitors the progress of India A and India under-19 cricket teams. He has, in fact, raised many youngsters who are now featuring in Team India.

Dravid’s selfless act

Rahul Dravid in a press-conference

“Ha ha, unnecessary credit, the boys deserve all the praise,” was Dravid’s reply to the Indian Express on his role in the building of India’s bench strength.

Former national selector Jatin Paranjpe believes Dravid’s inputs at the A level – where Ranji Trophy performances were given a lot of weight – helped make the transition to the national side ‘seamless’.

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“Before such tours, the support staff of the Indian team, A team, U-19 team, selectors, and Dravid discuss which bucket of players we want to concentrate on,” Paranjpe told the newspaper.

“The performances in the Ranji Trophy matter in the selection of the A team. Mayank Agarwal and Vihari were picked from there.

“The A teams have a great guy like Dravid working with them, from where they go to someone as good as Shastri in the national team. It’s a seamless transition.”

WV Raman, who has had a stint coaching the India women’s cricket team, said Dravid’s focus on giving youngsters exposure rather than focusing on results of A and U-19 games made all the difference.

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“He took out winning and losing from these A and U-19 games. He made it clear that it’s about exposure, giving a chance to all kids over a tour. So everyone knew that they would be getting chances, and could improve their games,” Raman said.

Commonly known as ‘The Wall’ for his resilience, Rahul Dravid captained the Indian Team during his cricketing days.

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