Rahul Dravid gives credit to Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli for the youngsters’ success

12/25/2016

Former India skipper Rahul Dravid has given credit to Test skipper Virat Kohli and coach Anil Kumble for ensuring a smooth transition of youngsters from the domestic to the international circuit. Dravid has also expressed his happiness for Karun Nair and termed his triple-ton as “fantastic”.

Despite being reportedly offered the post of coach of the senior team, Rahul Dravid had refused to take up the mantle, rather choosing to be with the players from India-A and Under-19. Under his guidance, the Indian colts have gone from strength to strength and the huge gulf between the domestic and international cricket has also been bridged.

But Dravid, wih his usual humility, diverted the laurels towards coach Anil Kumble and skipper Virat Kohli.

Dravid, in an interview to the bcci.tv, said, "It's great to see these young boys coming through the 'A' team setup and from domestic performances. It is a tribute to I think the environment created in the national setup that they are coming through feeling comfortable and performing straightaway. Credit to Virat and Anil and what they have been doing at the national level. So we are seeing the results, nice to be a part of that process."

Dravid expressed his happiness over the success of Karun Nair. Nair, who struck a brilliant triple-century in only the third innings of his career, was under the close vigilance of Rahul Dravid since his Rajasthan Royals days and has worked under him in the A set-up and Delhi Daredevils as well.

"It's fantastic. Incredible to score his first (Test) hundred and then go onto score a triple hundred. I think it not only speaks volumes about his ability but also his hunger and desire. That's really important. It's good and I am happy for Indian cricket and it is always good to see young people coming through. He can hopefully go on and build on from here. He has got the ability.

"Great to see guys like Karun, Rahul and Jayant, come along in this tour. Hardik Pandya got an opportunity from A tour but could not play as he got injured," said the legend.

Dravid said that 'A' or U-19 matches are more about the process than the results, a mantra which has been with him since his days of the captaincy of the Indian team.

"We are always in touch with the national team as to what is the skill-set that they are looking at in the future. Try and give opportunities. If they are looking at all-rounders, we will try and play as many all-rounders as we can at the junior level to see which all-rounder can make the step-up."

He added, "I don't think U-19 and A team is about results. Yes, we want to get results but it is really more about giving exposure, developing young people. Coaching is not only about developing them as players but also developing them as people so that they can have meaningful careers and lives from wherever they go on from here."

"May be someone, who may not be that good at the U-19 level, may go onto represent India and become your future star. In a lot of ways, U-19 and A tours as a feeding ground to national team."

Rahul Dravid gives credit to Anil Kumble and Virat Kohli for the youngsters’ success

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