2018 U19 World Cup: Rahul Dravid clears air over visiting Pakistan dressing room

India Under-19 head coach Rahul Dravid has hailed the efforts of his wards for the spectacular show in the recently concluded One-day International Youth ODI World Cup which was held in New Zealand.

Dravid went on to praise the all-round efforts while observing the youngsters played according to their strength and he further subsequently credited the success to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

“It was great teamwork, guys behind the scenes, the selectors, NCA, the BCCI setting up games and series. Winning a tournament like this is a good reflection of the teamwork,” Dravid was quoted as saying by ANI.

Satisfaction lies in proper planning:

Known for his calm and composed approach, Dravid reiterated the hard work since past one-one-half-year has paid off which included some serious procedures to see the exciting talent rising to the challenge.

“The real satisfaction, in my opinion, is the process that was followed over the last 14-16 months, the whole planning and preparation that has gone into, not necessarily for this World Cup, but for developing the U-19 players,” Dravid was quoted as saying while briefing media on the young champions return in Mumbai.

Former Indian skipper further responded to multiple questions which saw him making a correction when a reporter asked him about visiting Pakistan colts’ dressing room after India routed Hasan Khan-led side by 203 runs in the semi-final clash.

According to the recent reports Pakistan team manager Nadeem Khan has hailed the humble character of Dravid while referring the veteran has encouraged the young players.

“It was a very nice gesture only confirming Dravid’s stature in our eyes,” Nadeem maintained.

However, the 43-year-old Dravid maintained that he did not went into the dressing room of Pakistan U19 team

Incident and clarification:

Making the correction regarding the comment of a journalist during the briefing, the former batting mainstay maintained he has congratulated the left-arm paceman Shaheen Afridi outside Pakistan’s dressing room.

“I did not go into their dressing room. They had a talented left-arm fast bowler [Shaheen Afridi] and I thought, he bowled really well in the tournament. So, I just congratulated him,” Dravid recalled.

Pertinently, the 17-year-old Khyber Agency-based Shaheen bagged 12 scalps in five wickets which included six for 15 against Ireland U19 at Whangarei on January 16.

“I met him outside their dressing room and said, well done in the tournament. It’s nice. As a coach, it is exciting to see a good talent,” Dravid added.

Prithvi Shaw-led India lifts fourth title:

Dravid as a mentor is the most satisfying human after India lifted overall fourth U19 World Cup title following convincing victory over Australia by eight-wickets at Bay Oval on February 4.

India’s road to the final has been smooth which further saw the young side was indomitable in the 12th edition of the Youth ICC competition.

Opening batsman Shubman Gill was awarded Man of the Series for his batting prowess and pace bowlers in the form of Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti send shivers down the spine of batsmen with over 145kph.

Pakistan U19 management lauds India talent:

According to Dravid, Pakistan U19 coaches have also praised the efforts of youngsters while remarking it has been a treat to watch the players doing remarkably well at such a young age.

“Their coaches mentioned to me so many times that the standard of cricket we have seen your guys play is a benchmark for a lot of us,” Dravid added on.

Dravid has instilled confidence among the youth while stating the boys could have offered more in the grand finale against Jason Sangha-led Australia while considering the performances in a quarter-final and semi-final clash respectively.

Follow ODI series here: South Africa Vs India, 2018