Dravid to shape future Indian cricketers

Wednesday 10th June 2015 08:20 EDT
 
 

Former India captain Rahul Dravid has been appointed as the coach of U-19 and India 'A'. Anurag Thakur, BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) secretary, made the announcement after the first meeting of its high-profile advisory committee in Kolkata. Thakur said the Karnataka stalwart had agreed to shape the future stars of Indian cricket. With Dravid in charge of emerging players and Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman entrusted with the task of drawing up a roadmap for the national team, Indian cricket, at long last, appears to be in good hands.

Thakur pointed out that Dravid's role will be crucial as the three stalwarts on the advisory panel insisted on more focus on India `A' and junior cricketers. “They have recommended more overseas tours for India `A' in an effort to build up good bench strength for the national side,” Thakur said.

With the U-19 World Cup slated next year, the 42-year-old Dravid, a veteran of 164 Tests and 344 ODIs, will take charge before the ` A' team's tour of South Africa and Australia.“Keeping in view Team India's not-so-good show on overseas tours in recent times, the BCCI will look to arrange more overseas tours for India `A ' team which will serve as a pipeline to the senior side,” Thakur stated.

Thakur, however, shied away from revealing the length of tenure for Team Director Ravi Shastri. Asked whether the BCCI intends to continue with Shastri as the Team Director till the ICC World T20 next year, Thakur said: “There is lot of speculation about his (Shastri's) future in the media but I urge you to leave it to us. The advisory committee has been asked to give its recommendations, based on which future decisions will be taken,” Thakur said. “Till the time a new coach and other support staff are appointed, the current set-up will continue,” he added.

Talking about other recommendations of the advisory committee, Thakur said, “The National Cricket Academy (NCA) will be turned into a Centre of Excellence and for that the BCCI will be hiring a number of coaches, physios and trainers. We would like to have a pyramid-like structure where all players - from top-to-bottom, will be able to avail standard coaching and training facilities. All state associations will also be asked to start their academies, preferably with residential facility.

Another recommendation of Sachin, Sourav and Laxam is to create a pool of 15 fast bowlers and 15 spinners and give them specialized coaching. “The selected bowlers will be monitored and groomed for four to five years so that they are ready to play in the big league,” he added. The panel has also suggested that the old system of spotting talented youngsters by Talent Research Development Officers (TRDOs) be revived.

“This scheme had been introduced by Jagmohan Dalmiya during his first tenure as BCCI president. We plan to revive the same and appoint former first-class cricketers who will watch local matches in their areas and spot talented players who can hone their skills at the state academies and the NCA,” Thakur said.

Lauding Sachin, Sourav and Laxman for their commitment to raise the standard of Indian cricket, Thakur said that the troika had has been given a free hand and can get involved in everything relating to Indian cricket if the need arises. “I am glad that when Sourav, Sachin and Laxman were approached, they gave their consent whole-heartedly which shows how eager they are to give something back to Indian cricket,” stated Thakur, who made it clear that at their advisory roles are honorary.

No need for a coach, says Shastri

Addressing the media on the eve of the Indian team's departure for Bangladesh, Ravi Shastri made clear that he remains the man in charge after being retained by the BCCI as the Team Director for the upcoming tour. Shastri asserted that he might just be there “longer” than expected. “After we return from Bangladesh, I will sit with the BCCI officials and decide on the future. I don't rule out anything. I might be there much longer than what you think,” Shastri said, hinting that he is open to a longer stint.

The former India captain, who was appointed Team Director after India surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose the Test series 1-3 to England last year, leaving chief coach Duncan Fletcher in the shade, feels there is no great urgency to replace the former coach. “We have got three coaches, we don't need another coach. I will double up as head coach if need be, so there is no issue whatsoever,” said Shastri.

Referring to the advisory panel, Shastri said: “I see a lot of quality there. These guys have been there for a long time and I am sure they will have a huge contribution to make. “When we come from Bangladesh, I will have a chance to sit with them as well as the BCCI and take things forward. So, it's one step at a time. Our focus right now is the tour of Bangladesh,” he added.


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