Exclusive: Coach Rahul Dravid speaks on working with 'exciting' bunch of cricketers

Bengaluru, June 6: Former captain and batting legend Rahul Dravid today said he is looking forward to work with an "exciting" bunch of cricketers after he was named the coach of India 'A' and Under-19 teams by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

On Saturday, BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur announced in Kolkata that Dravid had agreed to guide India 'A' and Under-19 sides.

"The good news is that Rahul Dravid has agreed to coach India 'A' and Under-19 teams in future," Thakur said at a press conference after the Advisory Committee's meeting in Kolkata.

When OneIndia contacted Dravid today to know about his new innings, he said he was hoping to assist the youngsters.

"I am looking forward to working with an exciting bunch of cricketers and hoping to be able to assist them in their journeys," the 42-year-old Dravid said.

Later, the right-hander told local media, "India 'A' and under-19 level are really important stages, with its challenges and pressure and having been through it myself. It is important to work with young players, figure out what they are doing and what they need."

He added that he will be talking to senior team director Ravi Shastri. "I see the India A and under-19 as a bunch of players with a lot of talent. And it is also about moving up to the next level, filling up places in the senior team and yes I will be talking to Ravi (Shastri) and the senior staff and the national selectors,figuring out what they see as the challenges that the Indian team faces and see that if we can help groom the kind of cricketers they are looking for," Dravid said.

Now, BCCI has roped in all 4 stalwarts of Indian cricket to guide the future generation. Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman are part of the Advisory Committee while Dravid will mentor the youngsters.

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