Real test for these youngsters begins now: Rahul Dravid

Mumbai, February 5: India Under-19 coach Rahul Dravid, who masterminded the team's title win in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2018, said on Monday the real test for the youngsters will begin now, hinting at the transition to the senior level cricket.

"As kids they have had experiences which should hold them in good stead for an entire lifetime. To play in front of big crowd, matches which are televised and play a high pressure final is something huge. The fact that they have got this reception and they are fronting up to the media is a big experience for these boys.

ICC U-19 World Cup 2018: Present bright. Future safe as India's youngsters make a statement

"But the real test begins now and I have spoken to the boys about that. From the team that won the 2012 World Cup, only one boy has played a few matches for India. So it is important that these boys continue to work hard and eventually go on to play for India and do well," said Dravid in the press conference to mark the return of the victorious Indian team under Prithvi Shaw.

On the suggestion of allowing an U19 player to appear in only one World Cup, Dravid said: "Once the boys are ready it is important that they go on and play senior men's cricket.

"We had a chance to have players like Washington Sundar play the U-19 World Cup again, but it was conscious decision to not have them play again as we wanted them to compete at a higher level. This is my personal view and the BCCI will take the final decision."

Dravid made it amply clear that he did not carry any wounds from not winning a World Cup in his playing time and was just happy to guide the youngsters to title.

"I don't carry the pain of not winning a World Cup, my career is over and I have forgotten all that. I am just happy that these boys worked hard to achieve their goals and it is good to see them com out as champions," he said.

Quoting the Indo-Pak semifinal, Dravid said the team handled the pressure throughout the World Cup.

"The boys knew that it was a big match but I was happy that these boys got to understand the pressure of an Indo-Pak match. I want to congratulate the boys for keeping their cool and performing at their best in the semifinal.

"I met a Pakistani left-arm paceman who had impressed me during the entire tournament. I think as a coach it gives joy to see good talent anywhere. The Pakistani coaches were also effusive in their praise for our boys and said that the level at which the Indian boys are playing is a benchmark for everyone," he said.

On a lighter note Dravid said it was tough during the IPL auction weekend. "It was a bit stressful during the IPL auction weekend, and that was the only time I was a little worried, apart from that I think it was a good time that all of us ," he said.