Why Rahul Dravid being appointed India A and U-19 coach is the best thing that has happened to Indian cricket

India ‘A’ and U-19’s new head coach

Former Indian captain Rahul Dravid was recently appointed the coach of the India ‘A’ and the Under-19 cricket teams by the BCCI and has been given the herculean task of training young guns and taking the next generation of Indian Cricket to new heights.

Dravid, has always been the “go to” man for the BCCI, fellow teammates, the youngsters and of course, the fans and on many occasions, has single-handedly taken team India out of the toughest of situations and made his team triumph over its opponent.

“India 'A' and U-19 level are really important stages, with its challenges and pressure and having been through it myself I hope I will be able to help the young players in their journeys,” Dravid told the Times of India.

With the spirit of healthy competition increasing and the underdog teams soaring high with fiery vigour, it is essential that the command of the first-class and List ‘A’  teams is handed to someone who can put up with the pressure, rise the to the occasion and put the team right back on the saddle. And who better to fit this job profile, than the man himself, Mr.Cricket, Mr.Consistent, The Wall - Rahul Dravid.

With a batting average of 52.31 in test cricket, he is undoubtedly one most precious finds of World Cricket. Mr.Dependable is the perfect person to coach the upcoming players, and here’s why.

With his steady and methodical strokeplay, the young troops will realise the power of timing and class rather than just using raw, brutal power. Armed with orthodox techniques and textbook shots, he would be the perfect example of how it is important to pace ones innings at crucial times and raise the tempo when needed.

Sportsman’s spirit and being a team man are qualities that come very naturally to our “everyday superhero” and is something that is necessarily to be inculcated by the generations to come. 

What is also important for the players to realise, is that aggressiveness does not come from using slang or harsh play. It lies in the eyes of the player and in the temperament the player holds on and off the field. 

“Rahul Dravid is a type of player who would walk on broken glass if his team asked him to”. Navjot Singh Siddhu used the most accurate words to describe the selflessness and the giving nature of Rahul Dravid and his love for the game of Cricket. Something that the young ones should surely pick up on.

His humility and ability to get along with people are also the qualities every cricketer must possess.

The expertise of “The nice guy who finished first”, is something any cricketer could use and is surely to bring many laurels to the upcoming team. His experience and careful guidance holds the key to India’s eventual success.

The cement that held the foundation of the Indian Cricket team for many a years is the perfect role model for the youngsters. The hero they need, the hero they deserve, The Dark Knight.