Camp to fetch team long-term results: Dravid

Indian captain Rahul Dravid on Saturday said the team's unconventional camp at a far flung venue near Bangalore may not fetch immediate returns but it would be beneficial in the long run.

Dravid said the camp was not only aimed at bonding the team further but also gave the players some "new experiences to think about."

"Every camp has got some element which is directed towards short term (Sri Lanka series). There is also an element which is directed towards long term.

"It gave new experiences to people who tried to get something out of their personalities," Dravid told a press conference, a day after his team returned from the Pegasus Centre of Excellence.

The players underwent rigorous three-day training at the institute which specialises in 'Outward Bound Learning' techniques, aimed at increasing the tolerance levels in a fun filled environment.

Dravid said the camp could not deliver results overnight but it was only a part of the larger learning process of players.

"It is a challenge to see the boys grow not only as a good cricketer but also to help them grow as people. Nothing can change in one day or two days. It cannot change you overnight but it gives something new to think about, some new experiences to think."

The Indian skipper said the youngsters in the squad gained a lot from the innovative programme.

"Boys enjoyed the experiences and they came out and communicated to seniors. They will gain a lot from it. It will help them develop their overall personality and we will see the effects in the long-term.

"We had a session in Tai Chi. It is like Yoga. We had heard about it and we wanted to experience it. Hopefully it might benefit them (boys), some might even pursue it. It depends on an individual how he takes it."

Asked how Sachin Tendulkar reacted to the exercises, Dravid said "we had a physio available with us. Sachin showed extreme interest and participated in each of the training methods we had which were challenging both physically and mentally.

"Sachin's presence is important to all of us. It is a good situation for us that he is around. He is very experienced and is looking forward to performing well in Sri Lanka as much as we are."

On reports of additional security ring being thrown for Tendulkar, he said, "I know nothing about it (individual security to a particular player). I will have to know from him (Sachin)."