5 reasons why Rahul Dravid’s renewal as coach of India A and U19 team is a great move

After former member of the Supreme Court Appointed Committee of Members (CoA) Ramachandra Guha resigned, there emerged a conflict of interest in the BCCI, according to which a national coach cannot be the coach of an IPL team. But the conflict of interest is now a thing of the past as the Indian board has extended Rahul Dravid’s contract as the coach of the U19 and India A teams for the next two years. By the virtue of that, the former Indian captain will not mentor the Delhi Daredevils in IPL 11.

Extra cover: Rahul Dravid's salary increased from Rs 2.5 crore to Rs 5 crore per annum

Dravid was appointed as the coach of the India A and U-19 teams in June 2015 and his contributions to both the sides were numerous during his two years at the helm. Choosing to continue with his old role over an IPL contract proves Dravid’s determination on shaping the future of Indian cricket. Here we look at 5 reason why his renewal as coach of the junior India teams is a great move.

#1 His own credibility as a player

“All these things going around is not aggression. If you want to see aggression, look into Rahul Dravid's eyes," former Australian legend Matthew Hayden once told of Dravid. And that explains the unparalleled temperament Dravid possesses, and the kind of role model he can become for the cubs of Indian cricket.

The Dravid of his pre-retirement days needs no introduction. The ‘Wall’ of Indian cricket, Dravid participated in three World Cups with the Indian team, in 1999, 2003, and 2007. A man of Dravid’s indisputable expertise and knowledge certainly has a lot to offer to the budding India Internationals.

He stood up for India in the most challenging situations, which reflects his persona. One such person will always excel as a coach.

#2 Dravid’s composure is something the youngsters need to follow

Dravid was aggressive in his own subtle way

In an age where cricket has become synonymous with aggression, there has to be someone who can nip that aggression in the bud from the very start. And for a lesson on composure and patience, there can be no teacher better than Dravid.

When he was mentally disintegrated by the opponents, Dravid replied not with a verbal bashing or rash batting, but with a calm innings, something that is largely lacking in today’s cricket.

The increasing number of match fines for misconduct is a proof of that. Dravid’s elegant batting and self composure was what made him the great that he is, and these values need to be imparted to the youngsters as a lesson for their graduation into the Indian team. Remember, character building can be done only at the young age.

#3 His success as the coach of the junior teams

The captain and coach during the U19 World Cup

The former India captain produced valuable results with both U19 and India A during his first stint as coach. He tasted success in his very first assignment with India A which was a triangular series against the A teams from Australia and South Africa. The young Indian boys produced fruitful results and under the captaincy of Unmukt Chand, beat Australia in the finals.

Later, when A teams from South Africa and Bangladesh visited India, the hosts remained unbeaten in all the matches. As for the U19 team, Dravid’s first assignment was a tri-nation series with the Bangladesh and Afghanistan counterparts, which was also won by India. That win was followed by another trophy that the boys clinched on their way to a triangular series triumph which involved Sri Lanka U19 and England U19 at the latter’s home.

Then in 2016 came the U19 World Cup, which was also an equally successful tour for Dravid. The junior Indian team began their World Cup campaign with wins against Ireland, New Zealand, Nepal, and Sri Lanka to reach the finals where they lost to England.

#4 His rapport with youngsters

Kerala’s Sanju Samson has emerged thanks to Dravid’s mentorship

Youngsters have time and time again credit Dravid’s role in their development as a cricketer. Dravid and youngsters; it’s a perfect fit. He had himself once said before taking up as the mentor role of the Daredevils, “One of the reasons I took up the job is that they (Daredevils) have a youthful team. It was the same route we had taken in Royals, and we were successful”.

“Rahul Dravid is cool, calm and composed. Without any hesitation you can go up to him any time and ask for his thoughts and ideas. In fact, he will come up to you rather than you having to go to him,” Shreyas Iyer was once quoted as saying.

Players like Sanju Samson, Karun Nair, Dhawal Kulkarni, Deepak Hooda, Rishabh Pant and many more have been students of Dravid’s school.

#5 Why mend something which is not broken?

The Delhi Daredevils will have to do without Dravid in 2018

Given that Dravid has already enjoyed immense success in the job extended for him, breaking his partnership with the youngsters would have been unwise. He has already been handling the youngsters for a while now, and would have gained much experience in the role of a coach, and in dealing with the boys.

BCCI banked on Dravid’s experience plus success, which can produce many more talents in the next two years. As for the IPL, it can look for another mentor for a team that has an equal number of senior players as well.