Published: Jun 12, 2015, 04:06 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 12, 2015, 05:36 PM (IST)
By Sandip Sikdar
New Delhi: Batting legend Rahul Dravid has given a thumbs up to Ravi Shastri and said the current Indian cricket team director has done a terrific job in his role so far. Rahul Dravid: We need to be patient with Virat Kohli
According to latest media reports, Shastri will be announced as the new head coach after the conclusion of the team’s tour of Bangladesh where they are playing a Test and three One-Day Internationals (ODI) against the hosts. The post of head coach has been vacant ever since Zimbabwean Duncan Fletcher‘s contract expired at the end of the World Cup where India lost in the semi-finals. Rahul Dravid: The stint with Rajasthan Royals as mentor will definitely help me
“I am not going to react to a media report but Ravi has done a really good job with the team and if he is going to join the team on a full-time basis that will be good for the side,” Dravid told IANS in a telephonic interview from P&G Shiksha School in Bengaluru, a Corporate Social Responsiblity (CSR) programme he supports. Rahul Dravid: Aim is to build the best team for ICC Under-19 World Cup 2016
“He has definitely been terrific in his role as the team director. He has vast experience, has been involved in the sport, knows about the modern game and is also in touch with the players, who also like his presence in the dressing room.” Rahul Dravid: I am not thinking about India head coach role
About Virat Kohli, the former India captain said that people need to be patient with the new Test skipper. Kevin Pietersen praises BCCI for appointing Rahul Dravid as India U-19, India A Coach
“People need to be patient with Kohli. People started asking about how Kohli will be as a captain even before he became a skipper. People need to give him time. He will grow as a captain. He is going to make good decisions, he will be making mistakes and that is how he will grow in his role as a captain,” said the 42-year-old. Dravid excited to assume role of India A, India Under-19 coach
Though India has done well lately in limited overs cricket, their performance in the longer version of the game, especially overseas, has been quite dismal. Rahul Dravid appointed India A and India Under-19 coach
Asked if more focus should be put on overseas Test matches, Dravid replied: “The focus should be on winning, whatever they are playing at present, at this point of time. Of course, the focus should also be on overseas cricket. The bottom line is that you have got to win. Rahul Dravid’s appointment as India A and India Under-19 coach a masterstroke by BCCI
“This current team is in a transitional phase but they will come out good eventually. It is part and parcel of the game. Just like we were in 1999-2000 when we were not winning, we kept on improving and did well eventually. The current lot have got to put in performances. Expect this team to also do the same,” concluded the newly-appointed India A and India Under-19 coach. Rahul Dravid’s reluctance at taking high-profile responsibility a blessing in disguise for India
