WV Raman may coach India U-19's in England

India U-19’s are set to tour England to play two four-day games followed by 5-match Youth ODI series. This tour will be a great preparation for the U-19 World Cup which is scheduled for early 2018 in New Zealand. Both sides competed against each other in February this year when the England U-19’s toured India.

Rahul Dravid was recently given a two-year junior coach contract. The 44-year old will coach both the India colts along with the India ‘A’ side. He has been instrumental in grooming youngsters in the recent while as players like Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant have mentioned the enormous contributions of the former batting legend in the evolvement of their games. Dravid has remained focused on working at the junior level though he has been approached to coach the national side in the past.

India ‘A’ are scheduled to tour South Africa to play two four-day games followed by a 50-overs tri-series involving the hosts and Australia. This tour will coincide with the U-19 tour hence the search for an interim coach for the Colts is on as Dravid will be asked to give preference to the ‘A’ side. According to reports, WV Raman, who has coached India U-19 in the past, will travel to England as an interim coach though Dravid has put Paras Mhambrey’s name forward for the post of India U-19 assistant coach. A final decision hasn’t been made yet but Raman is known to be the frontrunner.

However, with the possibility of the South Africa tour been cancelled, Dravid might well travel to England. The Australian Board’s ongoing pay dispute with the ACA might lead the players to boycott from the tour. India will also avoid the tour as it wouldn’t be prudent to travel to South Africa to play just two four-day games.

A final decision is not made yet but the Indian Board is keeping all options open.