Karachi: Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja on Wednesday has heaped praise on Rahul Dravid’s role in bringing up young cricketers and also said that Pakistan needs someone like him to scoop out such talent.
Despite ruing Pakistan’s 203-run loss in the semi-final against India, Raja felt that it wasn’t that surprising, given the fact that these young Indian stars were prepared to handle pressure situations.
“I am impressed with the temperament shown by some of the Indian players. They have a fine find in Shubman Gill and others. Rahul Dravid deserves lot of credit for preparing and grooming them so effectively,” said Raja.
He also said that Prithvi Shaw and co learn a lot more than cricket from someone like Rahul Dravid.
“They learn such a lot from him not just about cricket but about everything else. How to conduct oneself, how to develop game sense and so on,” he added further.
Disappointed with the batting and fielding of the Pakistan U-19 team in the semi-final, Raja said that a total revamp was required in the youth cricket system in Pakistan cricket.
Said Raja, “The way our players fielded and batted it wasn’t pleasant to watch. I think in Pakistan we need a total revamp of our youth cricket system. The Cricket Board needs to pay a lot more attention to youth cricket.”
He also suggested that Pakistan should have a former legendary cricketer from the country itself who would take up the responsibility of bringing up young cricketers and unearthing young talent.
“We need to have give someone charge for a proper time period like India has done with Rahul Dravid,” he opined.
He also felt that youth cricket isn’t all about winning trophies and championships but also bringing up new players and preparing them for the future.