What interests me is working hands on with young talent, says Rahul Dravid

While Rahul Dravid declined to be part of the BCCI's advisory committee, he was happy to accept the role of under-19 and India ‘A’ coach because he felt it is “important to work with young players”. [caption id=“attachment_2244390” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] The Wall will now be responsible for laying the foundation for the future of Indian cricket. File Photo: BCCI[/caption] “India ‘A’ and U-19 level are really important stages, with its challenges and pressure and having been through it myself I hope I will be able to help the young players in their journeys," Dravid told the Times of India. “It is important to work with young players, figure out what they are doing and what they need,” he added. Shane Watson, star all-rounder for the Royals, speaks highly about Dravid’s role in the side. “Rahul is an incredible man. The humility that he shows is a great thing for all young cricketers to be able to see and learn from someone who has been in absolute peak of his game. Obviously being in a cricket loving country, and still able to hold oneself with such humility is a great example for every young cricketer to be able to learn,” Watson said during the recently concluded IPL season. As captain and now mentor of the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals, Dravid has worked with young cricketers such as Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson and Deepak Hooda, and seems to have enjoyed the experience. The Royals, known for promoting youngsters at the big stage offered by the IPL, have benefited from Dravid’s presence at the helm too. Deepak Hooda, for instance, spoke about the influence of Dravid during the recent CEAT Awards ceremony where he was given the Best Young Player of the Year award. “More than anything this is something that really interests me, working hands on with young talent and obviously the fact that it is not as encompassing as say a national coach’s job is. It makes it a really good fit for me,” Dravid told ESPNCricinfo. Dravid said he would be seeking the support of the BCCI’s new advisory committee, which comprises his contemporaries Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman. “I have put forward what I think might be the best structure to help the A team and the Under-19 team and in the end help the player and give them the best environment and best opportunity that gives them the best chance to be able to put in performances that help their future, their careers and bring on the next generation of young Indian cricketers,” he said. He also added that limited assignments over the course of the year means that this role give him time to spend with his family. Dravid also ruled out this appointment as a precursor to a coaching role with the senior team. “I don’t see this as any stepping stone; I just see this as an opportunity to work with young players over the next few months. This is all I see it as,” Dravid said. With inputs from PTI