Either it is India or India A, cricket in sub-continent nation is going in only one direction, which is upward. Recently, Rahul Dravid coached India A defeated New Zealand A in two-match Test series by 2-0 in Vijayawada.
After winning the series, coach Dravid visited Andhra Cricket Association’s Central Zone Academy and met with young boys to give them few valuable tips for their future.
Legendary cricket believes for failing well, you have to first learn. “When cricketers fail they blame the umpires, the coaches, the weather, the pitch or their luck. They try to brush the real issues under the carpet and refuse to address them,” he said.
“But people who fail well would look into every failure as an opportunity to grow. It is those who learn to fail well who will eventually succeed and make it to the top,” former Indian captain added. “Most of the time, players get depressed when they fail and feel happy when they succeed. Their moods go up and down but the need of the hour is about striking a balance. This helps you both in cricket and in life.”
He also gave them some deep lessons as well while saying, “The ultimate motto should be to reach the destination. Even if you don’t reach the (cricketing) destination you will still emerge as a better person. So do not be afraid of failure and do not get carried away by success”.
The ‘Wall’ believes friendship and partnership are the necessity of cricket. “Cricket is a team game. It is all about partnership, helping and supporting each other, friendships and growing together,” he said. “If you are selfish you will stagnate. You have to grow as a team and also grow as individuals.”
The 44-year-old also revealed how to learn quicker. Dravid said, “After every practice session or a match you should get back to your room and reflect. Think about the outing and analyse for just 10 minutes. Because only reflection will help you grow. Just by practising you can improve but practising with reflection helps you improve quicker. The most important feedback comes from you. The more you do it, the quicker you learn, and the faster you improve.”
Former player also believes in maintaining a diary for betterment while saying, “Note down the important points on a daily basis. These jottings will help when you are out of form. The diary will be a corrective manual.”
While concluding, Dravid quickly chirps that it is must to make a balance between academics and game. “When you are playing you should give your 100% and the moment you open your books, you should switch off cricket. Thinking about cricket 24×7 will drain you out. Pursuits other than cricket help you relax,” he signed off.
