Dravid urges coaches to not ignore natural and unorthodox players

Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid was known to be a perfect batsman. However, the former India captain has advocated the backing of natural and unorthodox cricketers.

During a Level 2 course for coaches held at Bangalore recently, Dravid, who is Head of Cricket at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), emphasised on cricketers' skill, approach and mindset.

Former Maharashtra opener and current coach of the Meghalaya Ranji team, Dheeraj Jadhav, 41, who was among the 18 coaches who attended the Level 2 course, told Sunday mid-day: "What I have learnt in this course is that modern cricket is totally different from what we used to play."

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When Jadhav asked Dravid whether to focus on the technique or skill while watching a player, the great Indian batsman said: "Of course, technique is important. But the coach's approach needs to be changed if a player is effective. If that player is a performer, then the coach should give him that freedom. And in such cases, coaches don't need to dwell on technique."

Citing examples of Australia's Steven Smith and Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga, Dravid told coaches not to be obsessed with technique. "Rahul told us that if there is any batsman of Smith's style, don't compel him to change his backlift or stance. If the player is getting injured frequently, only then think about technical aspects and make minor rectification," said Jadhav.

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