Following India’s disappointing 1-2 loss to Sri Lanka, head coach Rahul Dravid claimed that most of the youngsters were under-prepared, however, this potential was not lacking. Dravid also remarked that he was not disappointed with the attempts and that they would continue to improve. Rahul Dravid after T20I series loss to Sri Lanka
Although India ruled the opening T20I of the three-match series, the visitors lost the next two matches by a narrow margin, missing nearly 8 players due to COVID-19 regulations. Particularly in terms, the visitors fielded a playing XI with only 5 specialist batsmen, which proved to be the difference in the last 2 matches.
I don’t think the talent is missing: Rahul Dravid after T20I series loss to Sri Lanka
Many supporters were upset at India’s loss against Sri Lanka, while head coach Rahul Dravid was unconcerned, admitting that certain players were unprepared but stating firmly that the potential was there. In addition, the former Indian batsman claimed that “time” and “experience” will help the youngsters improve many aspects of their performance on the international side
“To be honest, some of them were under-prepared. But I don’t think the talent is missing, either in spin bowling or in batting. We just need a little bit more experience in being able to figure out a few more different kinds of shots when we’re challenged with this kind of pitches. We just need to figure out a couple of more options. It was tough batting for them (Sri Lanka) as well,” stated Rahul Dravid in the post-match press conference.
Dravid also expressed confidence in the youngster team’s ability to develop with time, pointing his own personal experience in saying everyone has suffered to play excellent bowling earlier in their careers. Fighting under such difficult conditions, according to the Indian coach, was a fantastic learning experience for the young players.
“We’re kind of used to playing games where the scores are 160, 180, sometimes 200. But sometimes in challenging conditions, you’ve just got to learn how to scrap and fight your way to 130-140. I think that’s great learning for our young players.”
It’s a great opportunity to reflect on these performances: Rahul Dravid
“I’m not disappointed. They are young batters, they have to keep improving and getting better. The Sri Lankan team’s bowling attack is their international bowling attack. They’re missing a few batsmen because of various reasons, but this is a top-quality attack. So it’s a great opportunity to reflect on these performances, reflect on these conditions, and maybe come up with some slightly better strategies,” he added.
“The way Shikhar and Bhuvi (vice-captain) and the leadership group [led], the environment that they created was terrific as well. Just as much as it was tough for us and not an easy situation to be in, we’re lucky to play cricket as well,” he stated.
“In times like this over the last year and a half, we’ve seen a lot of people go through a lot of suffering, go through some very, very difficult times. In some ways, we feel blessed to be able to do what we can and what we do. I can’t really be more proud of the way the boys handled themselves over 45 days, having only six matches to play,” he concluded.
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