Sudip Chatterjee ecstatic having played under Rahul Dravid's coaching

25-year old Bengal batsman, Sudip Chatterjee saw his childhood dream turn into reality as he recently got to play under the mentorship of his idol, Rahul Dravid. Chatterjee had been selected for the India A squad for the recently concluded series played against South Africa A. It was on this particular tour that the most promising talent from Bengal played under the keen eyes of Dravid and was even appreciated by the latter.

Interestingly, the Indian batting legend has been Chatterjee’s idol ever since his initial days in the game. The youngster even admitted having dreamt of the moment when legendary India batsman would appreciate his batting style. He also revealed that his current dream is that of wearing the senior India hues, with Dravid as the coach of the squad.

On cloud nine after Dravid praised him

Speaking to MyKhel, an ecstatic Chatterjee related his experience and said, “It was a dream experience only because I had been with Rahul (Dravid) sir for the last two weeks. Practising in his presence, sharing the dressing room in his presence, listening to his pieces of advice was unique experience for me.”

It just kept getting better and better for the young southpaw as the former India captain took time out to encourage Chatterjee. “Rahul sir appreciated me a lot after I scored 46 as an opener in our second match against South Africa. Dravid sir patted on my back and praised saying that I was able to face the South African fast bowlers with perfect technique. He also praised me for my footwork against the spinners. He only advised me that now I along with technique I should start concentrating on keeping the patience while batting,” he added.

Also, Dravid had asked Chatterjee to open the innings instead of batting down the order at number 3 as he usually does in the second innings of the first match for India A in Pretoria.

“As I do not have a habit of opening on a regular basis I was hesitant after Dravid sir instructed me to open. He took such decision as Ishan Kishan was not being able to succeed as an opener. After having watched me being little shy, Dravid sir told me that batting order is just a number and nothing else. Then I went to start innings,” said the 25-year-old.