Rahul Dravid set to narrow down India U-19 team for World Cup

Rahul Dravid believes Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant are two of the team’s X factors

After India’s Under-19 team defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets to win the tri-series, coach Rahul Dravid said that he is close to deciding the core team for World Cup 2016, reports IBNlive. The former Indian cricketer feels that the recently concluded tri-series was a good preparatory ground.

“This was a good tournament as we start preparing for the World Cup in January. Some of the boys have put in strong performances and we are close to identifying the core team for the World Cup,” said Dravid.

Talking about ‘X factors’ of the team, Dravid told the media, “There are plenty of X factors in the team now. Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan are just two of them.”

He feels there is need for more bilateral series in order to strengthen the team. “One World Cup in two years is great. But there needs to but we need to play a lot more bilateral series,” he said.

It is not only the coach praising U-19 team’s players but other way round too. Batsman Sarfaraz Khan said that to be coached by the former Indian captain was a dream come true.

He said, “Till now, I had seen him only on TV making hundreds and it is hard for me to believe that he is our coach now and is with us in the next room. To be coached by a batting legend like Dravid is a dream come true for us. I am sure his experience will count in a big way as we prepare for the World Cup.”

The 18-year-old, who played a key role in India’s finale win with an unbeaten 59 from 27 balls, had disappointing performances in three previous matches.

Recalling how his coach’s advise helped him during the final match, the youngster from Delhi said, “The biggest quality in him is he's always cool and calm. He never told me that I was not scoring runs but would tell me you learn everyday. He told me to play my natural game.

“Rahul sir helped me a lot, I owe him a lot. I wanted to do something different today. I remembered Rahul sir's words and kept playing my natural game. I played fearless cricket. As they say sometimes attack is the best form of defence and it worked for me today.”

Not only Sarfaraz, previously his teammate Avesh Khan and skipper Ricky Bhui had also heaped praises on coach Dravid.