Jaipur: Retired India batsman Rahul Dravid would take the field tomorrow for the first time since hanging his boots from international cricket but the Rajasthan Royals skipper said there won’t be any different feeling and he was more “keen and focused” to do well in IPL V.
Dravid will replace legendary spinner Shane Warne as the captain-cum-coach-cum mentor of the Rajasthan Royals in IPL V and the former India skipper said although there are little more expectations, it would be more about team coordination.
“I have been playing in this format for past four years so do not think there would be any different feeling or any new challenge. I am lot more keen and focused,” Dravid told reporters on the eve of their match against Kings XI Punjab here tomorrow.
“I have taken over as captain, coach and mentor from Shane Warne so there are little more expectations but I feel these are more of words and basically it all is more about coordination because there is support staff and one has to use these experts for better results,” he added.
Talking about the importance of domestic players in the different teams, Dravid said: “Every team has to rely on domestic players as it is a team game, the four overseas players are not enough. “I am happy that Rajasthan Royals has some very exciting players in Ajinkya Rahane, Ashok Menaria and few more.”
Dravid heaped praise on Menaria and said he would try to share his experience with the younsters and help them to become better cricketers.
“Menaria is an exciting talent and the way he has been batting for the last seven days our camp here has been sensational. He is at very important stage of his career. He would be important for us and I hope good performance in this IPL would take him forward,” he said.
“I would be happy if I am able to use my experience and help the youngsters like Menaria and Rahane climb up the ladder,” he added.
Dravid said his team won’t be complacent as in this tournament no side can be considered weak or strong. “We were beaten by the Kings XI when we played them in an away game. We have been preparing for hard and now it is to be seen how we pen out.” (PTI)