Rahul Dravid Praises India's Bench Strength Ahead of World Cup

India A head coach, Rahul Dravid has praised the potent Indian bench strength ahead of the next year’s World Cup in England and Wales.

India A was able to win the final by five wickets against England Lions in the tri-series also involving Windies A.

Dravid has been instrumental in polishing the young cricketers of the country, as he is providing his insights into the Under-19 and India A side. Thus, he has played his part in preparing the future of Indian cricket.

Meanwhile, India A side impressed with its performances on the England tour. After losing the first match against England A, India A side won four matches consecutively to lift the tri-series.

Rahul Dravid is showing the right direction to the young Indian players.

Dravid said that it is not always about winning on such tours.

“A lot of these tours aren’t necessarily about winning, but I think the quality of cricket we’ve played throughout this tournament – except for the first game where we didn’t bat particularly well – has been really good,” Dravid told ESPNcricinfo.

The former Indian skipper added they tried to rotate the squad as much as they could on the England tour.

“A lot of the boys have had their first-time exposure to these conditions; we tried to rotate the squad as much as we could and give everyone decent opportunities.”

In fact, Krunal Pandya and Deepak Chahar who both played for the India A side earned their maiden senior national team call-up. The Wall went on to add it is quite satisfying to note these players delivering the goods.

“It’s been quite satisfying, some good performances. A tough game today as well, we had to fight back with the ball and the bat – so good to see them fight, good to see them compete in these conditions. Definitely some positives, as well as seeing some of the boys get into the national side as well, irrespective of the result”.

Consequently, Rahul Dravid said that it is good for the Indian team to have a potent bench strength ahead of the World Cup next year.

“Especially with the World Cup in a year’s time, it’s nice to have bench strength, for the selectors to know there are good young players if the situation does arise. It’s nice to replicate this experience leading into the World Cup, to give these boys some exposure in these conditions.”