Bigger, better memories ahead in players’ careers: Dravid

Mount Maunganui, India U-19 coach Rahul Dravid is confident that the World Cup triumph won’t just be “one memory” that would define this talented bunch of cricketers as a bigger and more challenging journey awaits them.
“It’s a memory they’ll cherish for a long time and hopefully it’s not a memory that defines them and they will have a lot more bigger and better memories as they go on ahead in their careers,” coach Dravid said.
Fruitful journey

Dravid spoke about the effort that the entire batch put on for the last 14 months, which bore fruit.
“I am really proud of the boys, proud of the effort that they have put in and proud of the support staff as well. I think the effort we have put in over the last 14 months has been sensational. They really deserved this, couldn’t be really happier and proud for this bunch of boys,” the legendary batsman said.
Dravid was always aware that since this was an U-19 team, the spotlight will always be on him but as usual he was magnanimous in praising the entire support staff staff such as fielding coach Abhay Sharma and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey. “Coaching this team, I tend to get a lot of attention, but it is really about the quality of support staff that we have had, there have been seven or eight of us, who have been together for the last 14 months. The effort they put in was incredible,” he said.
“I am proud to be a part of their (support staff) team and see it as that. We try and do what’s best for the kids and hopefully they can put in the performances on the field and they have certainly done that in this tournament.”
On cloud nine after lifting the trophy, India skipper Prithvi Shaw also credited the team, support staff and singled out Dravid for special mention. “Can’t express what I’m feeling right now, really proud. All credit to our support staff for supporting us for the last two years. Rahul sir himself is a legend, ‘The Wall’ as we all know him. Full credit to our coaching staff. When you have two guys (Dravid and Paras Mhambrey), who have played international cricket, it gives you great insights,” Shaw said about their coaches.