11 June,2015 08:45 AM IST | | Harit N Joshi
Rahul Dravid, who was recently appointed India A and U-19 coach, supported legend Sunil Gavaskar's view of the senior India team not needing a coach
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis greets Rahul Dravid (r) as ex-Test spinner Nilesh Kulkarni looks on at the International Institute of Sports Management (IISM) annual convocation yesterday
Rahul Dravid, who was recently appointed India A and U-19 coach, supported legend Sunil Gavaskar's view of the senior India team not needing a coach.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis greets Rahul Dravid (r) as ex-Test spinner Nilesh Kulkarni looks on at the International Institute of Sports Management (IISM) annual convocation yesterday. Pic/Atul Kamble
"There is not much of coaching you do at that level. You require someone who can give good guidance and provide a good atmosphere in the team. Ravi Shastri and the other support staff are doing a good job," Dravid told reporters on the sidelines of the fifth convocation of the International Institute of Sports Management (IISM) at Garware Club yesterday. Dravid felt his role as Rajasthan Royals mentor will help him in his new assignment.
"I've been a player for years. I was then into mentoring and trying to understand the players' side. I am sure my experience with RR will help me in my new role," said Dravid, who ruled out a full-time role with the senior Indian team.
All praise for Tambe
At the convocation, Dravid was at his eloquent best. He shared the story of RR leg-spinner Pravin Tambe to help the students understand that perseverance is a crucial factor in success. RR gave Tambe a break in the Indian Premier League at the age of 40. His fine performances helped Tambe break into the Mumbai Ranji Trophy team. "Everybody sees that he became an instant success at the age of 40, but people don't realise the amount of hard yards he has put in on Mumbai's maidans for 25 years.
He never lost faith, hope and kept bowling tirelessly. It wasn't instant success. The amount of hard work, perseverance and patience is important so be prepared to put in the hard yards," said Dravid in his speech to the students.Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis was the other guest of honour with Dravid. Fadnavis lauded the efforts of IISM for creating professionalism in the sporting industry.
