Coach Dravid advised restraint after victory
The Rahul Dravid influence is unmistakable in how the India Under-19 boys went about their job with grace during their World Cup campaign.
While in-your-face attitude is the in-thing in Indian cricket as the youngsters emulate legendin-making Virat Kohli’s style of celebrations or expressing disappointments, Dravid is from the old school where it was about controlled aggression and respecting your opponent as well.
In what could be his final message to the Class of 2018, Dravid asked the boys to restrain themselves from any act of ugliness while they went about their celebrations after beating Australia in the final on Saturday, it is learnt.
After the win, Dravid told the boys to cherish the moment. He instructed them not to direct any insult towards anyone. We can celebrate the victory politely also. And the players did exactly as per their coach’s instructions,” said a reliable source privy to the dressing room proceedings. Dravid doesn’t like players having a go at the opponents after winning so he
MUMBAI:
informed his players in advance.
The point was also made by Sachin Tendulkar in his congratulatory message, saying how he was impressed to see the level of discipline that these youngsters had imbibed from Dravid.
“One thing I noticed about the team is that they are disciplined. Dravid himself always placed impetus on discipline and the team has gained from his experience which has been at the highest level,” said Tendulkar.
Sensing the nervousness in the dressing room ahead of the game, Dravid lifed the spirits by pointing out how this day will never be repeated in their careers. “I know you guys must be feeling the heat, now you understand the meaning of the final, but don’t worry, you will get this moment only once in your lifetime.”