'The fact that I have spent a couple of years at Rajasthan Royals in the role of a mentor I have seen the other side of what the sport is'
'My philosophy is not going to be teaching. I don't think you need to teach India 'A' players how to play'
Batting great Rahul Dravid, who was recently appointed coach of the India 'A' and India Under-19 teams, does not believe in the concept of coaching players at the senior level.
"There is no need for basic coaching; at that level [Indian team] you are looking for someone as the guiding factor or someone to create a good environment which helps to grow and share some of the experiences that we have.
"My philosophy is not going to be teaching. I don't think you need to teach India 'A' players how to play. They all know how to bat and bowl and they are there because they are successful. It is just about trying to help them to get to the next level," said Dravid on Wednesday, at the fifth Convocation Ceremony of the International Institute of Sports Management in Mumbai.
Dravid, who represented India in 164 Tests and 344 ODIs, pointed that out the India 'A' and Under-19 teams are crucial in a player's growth and development to the next level, including playing for the national team.
"The India 'A' and Under-19 are some of the most important moments in a player's career. I am very happy to be appointed India 'A' and India Under-19 coach which will give me a chance to interact with young players. Whatever experiences I have gained by playing over the years I will definitely pass it on to the youngsters," he said.
The 42-year-old said his experience as mentor of Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League for the last two years will come handy.
"The fact that I have spent a couple of years at Rajasthan Royals in the role of a mentor I have seen the other side of what the sport is. I have always seen it as a player and I have spent many years as a player.
"The couple of years that I spent outside in the management and the coaching side of things, there is a lot of learning that you get all the time, and the more you do it, the more and the better you get; it is like playing. I am looking forward to it," he added.
Dravid also said he has no preferences as to what type of players should be selected for the India 'A' team, which plays a crucial role in graduation to the national team.
"Talking about the criteria, it is up to the selectors to decide. The selectors and the senior team management generally have a vision as to what sort of players they are looking to pick. Sometimes you pick young players in India 'A', sometimes you pick players who are looking to make a comeback and want to push for the national team.
"Sometimes you pick players depending on what future tours are in mind. So, I think, there are various parameters and you just can't decide these kind of players should be selected or that kind.
"I see my job as coaching the players they have selected and not in the selection side of things. My job is to coach the players and try to help them to get to the next level."
