He Was Quite Friendly With Us, Used To Join Us For Dinner: Prithvi Shaw Opens Up On His Experience Of Playing Under Rahul Dravid

India and Mumbai swashbuckling opener Prithvi Shaw recently opened up about his experience of working with the legendary Rahul Dravid during his U-19/A days.

Prithvi Shaw was the captain of the Indian team that won the ICC U-19 World Cup under the coaching of Rahul Dravid back in 2018.

In a recent interview on CricBuzz, Prithvi gave insights about Rahul Dravid used to go about his business as head coach of the Indian U-19 and A teams.

Shaw revealed that Dravid always encouraged him and other youngsters to play their natural game and the former Indian skipper used to step in only when he felt that a player was continuously making the same mistake.

The 21-year-old U-19 World Cup-winning skipper also revealed that Rahul Dravid used to mostly discuss the mental side of things and how one should approach the game.

‘’We toured together with sir (Dravid) before the World Cup (U-19) also. He never forced any player to be like him. He didn’t change anything in batting. Told me to stick to my natural game. He knew if I play the Powerplay overs, then it’s difficult to get me out,” Prithvi Shaw told Cricbuzz.

“He mostly talked about the mental aspect, tactics, and how to approach a game. He never spoke much – just during meetings. Wanted us to enjoy the game. If we are repeating mistakes then only he’ll come and tell you about it,” he added.

 

‘We were a little scared of him’- Prithvi Shaw on Rahul Dravid

Any youngster is bound to feel a bit nervous in the presence of a legend like Rahul Dravid, and, as Prithvi Shaw revealed, the same was the case with him and his fellow U-19 teammates.

He, however, added that Dravid was quite friendly off the field and used to frequently join the team for dinner.

‘’With Rahul sir you have to be disciplined. We were a little scared of him. Off the field, he was quite friendly with us, used to join us for dinner, Sitting with a legend like him was a dream come true. Every youngster dreams of that,” he said.

“I am sure he’s also gone through the phases of U-19 cricket. So he knew exactly what to get in from us during the tour. Used to speak with each player specifically,” Prithvi Shaw added.

Prithvi Shaw may once again get the opportunity to play under Rahul Dravid. The swashbuckling opener is in line to be selected for the upcoming ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka where Dravid will serve as the head coach.

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