Rahul Dravid handed over a two-year extension as junior coach

Former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid who has enjoyed a fruitful and successful stint with the two Indian junior teams India U19 and India A has been awarded a two-year extension by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He was appointed as the coach by the Indian board for the first time in 2015 and will now continue to helm the affairs until 2019.

He has put a lot of emphasis on identifying and grooming players right from the age group level who have shown the potential to play for the U19 national team. Also, the domestic players who have been in the reckoning for a spot in the senior squad have been routed through India A into the Indian senior team.

The BCCI was pleased with the way the young players have shaped up under Dravid and acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary praised Dravid and also wished him good luck for the upcoming challenges.

“Rahul Dravid is known for the discipline and commitment he brings to the table. He has been successful in grooming the youngsters in the last two years. I wish him all the very best for his assignments with the two teams for the next two years,” Choudhary said.

The ball was in Dravid’s court as the BCCI was more than willing to give him an extension and CK Khanna, the BCCI’s acting president, said, “Over the last two years, Rahul Dravid has been instrumental in getting young talent into the mix who have proved their worth on the big stage,” he remarked. “We are glad to continue his services for the next two years and are sure that this is a bright sign for Indian cricket which will see many more young talents coming up in the future.”

Next up the India A team is touring South Africa for a triangular series also involving Australia A, they will also play 4-day games on the tour. Whereas the focus for the India U19 team will be on the approaching World Cup 2018 to be played in New Zealand.