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Chennai: Former captain Rahul Dravid on Friday said he was looking forward to coaching the India A team and called it a “very good” platform.
Dravid was last month appointed coach of the India A team by BCCI’s high-profile advisory committee comprising retired greats Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman.
“India A is a very good platform. There are experienced players present in the current India A team. It is an exciting phase for a cricketer. I am looking forward to working with them,” Dravid said here during a press conference.
Talking about wickets, he said, “It is ideal to have a wicket that provides even contest between the bat and ball. At Chepauk, we generally get good wickets that produces even contest.”
Asked about the importance of bowling, the batting great said, “Success of an international team is down to getting 20 wickets. So we will be focussing on all aspects of cricket. It will be nice to find some good bowlers.”
Three Rajasthan Royals player, including S Sreesanth, were found guilty and sentenced to prison after the spot- fixing scandal broke out two years ago. Dravid, who was at the helm of Rajasthan Royals then, said it is extremely difficult to know who is involved in such corrupt practices as a coach.
“I was not aware that the three players were doing something suspicious, if I knew I would have dealt with it. I had no clue and I had spoken clearly to the Mudgal commitee about it,” he said.
“You know how difficult it is sometimes to know if someone is involved in spot-fixing or not even if you are in the same team. If I have to doubt every single wide or four, I think I will lose the love and interest in the game. So I don’t go into every game or team I coach suspecting people everytime a four or a six is hit.
“Again, what people do in their private life, it is very hard for mentors and coaches to be knowing,” he said. Dravid said it is important to be alert to avoid such incidents in future.
“There is a blot on cricket’s image when such issues arise. But the verdict is a way forward. It is sad for everybody who are involved in Indian cricket. I guess we have to be alert always. Despite the verdict, we know that there will be people who would try to harm the game and we have to be alert, we can’t relax,” he added.
