India’s chief coach Rahul Dravid was delighted after the series win against England, registering an innings and 64 runs win in the fifth Test match at Dharamsala on Saturday. Dravid feels they always found people to step up at the right time in the series.
India lost the opening Test at Hyderabad by 28 runs but bounced back in the next four Test matches. The hosts were without the services of Virat Kohli, Mohammad Shami, KL Rahul (after the first Test), and Rishabh Pant but the young players were able to grab their chances.
Yashasvi Jaiswal was the standout performer for India, scoring 712 runs in five Test matches at an impressive average of 89. Furthermore, Dhruv Jurel scored a fine knock of 90 runs in the first innings at Ranchi when India had their backs against the wall at 177-7 after England posted 353 runs on the board. The likes of Sarfaraz Khan, Akash Deep and Devdutt Padikkal also impressed in their debut series.
Rahul Dravid said after the match, “Proud of the team. To go behind in the first Test was disappointing but to bounce back was great. We have always found people to step up. In various situations we have been put under pressure. Obviously, we missed a few key players but we believe there is an incredible amount of talent in India. Terrific to see youngsters do well. Performances were all-round as went down our whole squad, that was the pleasing thing. I have the privilege of working with a lovely team, it’s not just about me.”
Dravid said he has been learning from the support staff as well as the players. The former Indian captain added it has been a pleasure to work with Rohit Sharma. Dravid also lauded the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel for backing the youngsters.
Dravid added, “Rohit has been fantastic to work with. He is a terrific leader. The guys gravitate towards him phenomenally, which is fantastic to see. Shout out to Ajit (Agarkar) and his team (selection panel) as well. As a coach or captain, you don’t actually get to see a lot of the youngsters that come in. They picked the right ones and they have come here and performed. Not easily being a selector. Big pat on the back for Ajit and his team as well.”
India was able to tick the right boxes as they came up with a collective effort throughout the series.
