Rahul Dravid Named Coach of India A, U-19 Teams

Former captain Rahul Dravid was today appointed coach of the India A and Under-19 cricket teams after the first meeting of BCCI's advisory committee here on Saturday but suspense continued over Ravi Shastri's tenure as the senior team's Director post the Bangladesh tour.

"The good news is that Rahul Dravid has agreed to coach India 'A' and under-19 teams in future," BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur said in a press conference after the committee's meeting.

The panel -- comprising retired legends Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman -- met at the Cricket Association of Bengal office at the Eden Gardens and also present was BCCI President Jagmohan Dalmiya.

The 42-year-old Dravid, a veteran of 164 Tests and 344 ODIs, had been sounded out for the national coach's job but he was reluctant to take up the assignment owing to family commitments.

Sources said, Dravid was, however, keen to take up the responsibility of shaping up the next generation of Indian cricket. He is likely to tour with India A tem also.

However, there was no end to speculation surrounding Shastri, who has been retained Team Director till the Bangladesh tour.

"There is lot of speculation about his future but leave that to us. The time of speculation is over. The matter will be decided and this committee has been asked to give its recommendation, based on which future decisions will be taken," Thakur said.

"Till the time we don't make any changes, the current set-up will continue. We have not shortlisted any names but in some time we will have a few names and the advisory committee meeting will be held," he added.

Elaborating on the advisory committee's first meeting, Thakur said the three legends suggested greater overseas exposure for the India A team and offered their services for any Indian team.

"We will be hiring a number of coaches, physios and trainers. We would like to have a pyramid like structure where from top to bottom, similar coaching and facilities are available to all. All three (of the committee members) of them agree that if need be, Sourav, Sachin and Laxman can spare some time to help the Indian cricketers," Thakur said.

"Our focus will be to play more and more overseas. The next meeting of legends committee will be held after the shortlist of new trainers and physios is decided," he added.

"One important recommendation was that to select a pool of 15 fast bowlers and 15 spinners and have specialist coaches for them."

Asked if the three greats would be paid for their services, Thakur said,"Advisory committee members are honorary."

"I am glad that when Sourav, Sachin and Laxman were approached, everybody agreed in minutes. The passion and committment level shown by the former cricketers is exceptional," he added.

Congratulating S Ravi for becoming only the second Indian umpire to make the ICC's Elite Panel, Thakur said the BCCI has been focussing on the officials' performance.