Ramiz Raja opines PCB should appoint a coach like Rahul Dravid at the U19 level

Former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja has advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to follow in the footsteps of their Indian counterparts and appoint a respected former player like Rahul Dravid at the helm of the U19 team. Raja insisted that at the youth level identifying individual talent and preparing them for the future was more important than team achievements.

The 55-year-old veteran also opined that when a youngster has a teacher and mentor like Dravid he learns a lot and becomes a better person and sportsman. He suggests that the PCB should also think along these lines because at the under-16 and under-19 levels identifying individuals who can be good investments for the future is very important

Speaking ahead of the upcoming U19 World Cup, Raja was quoted saying by Sportskeeda, “I think the PCB should also consider appointing a former Test player who is well reputed and respected with the national junior team just like India has done in the case of Rahul Dravid (India U-19 and A coach.”

He added, “I don’t think winning is as important as recognizing individuals who are talented and then educating and grooming them. India will benefit from the presence of someone like Rahul Dravid who is a role model for youngsters.”

Three-time champion India will aim to better their performances from the previous edition

With the U19 World Cup around the corner, the Indian colts have started off with their penultimate preparations. The squad boasts of a number of talented youngsters and chief coach Rahul Dravid’s next aim is to see a few of the World Cup-bound players feature in the ‘A’ team within the next six to eight months.

The former Indian captain is optimistic about the team’s performance in the junior World Cup starting in New Zealand from January 13. Dravid exuded confidence that the team under Prithvi Shaw would do well. Three-time champions India, who finished runner-up in the previous edition will aim to better their performances and lift the coveted title.

The Indian colts have been placed alongside Zimbabwe and East Asia Pacific qualifier Papua New Guinea.