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'We need to be patient with Virat and allow him to grow as captain'

June 11, 2015 18:20 IST

Indian captain Virat Kohli looks on during a practice session. Photograph: Dinuka Liyanawatte/Reuters

Former India captain Rahul Dravid feels that Virat Kohli needs to be given enough time to settle as the leader of the pack in Test cricket and the upcoming home engagements will help him establish well. 

"India will be playing a lot many home series in the span of two-and-a-half years, which is going to be a good chance for them to establish themselves. It will give Virat Kohli as Test captain the time to settle, and I think he needs time.

"We need to be patient with Virat, need to give him time and allow him to grow in his role," Dravid said at an event organised by P&G Shiksha

India has started off well against Bangladesh but disappointingly they have not been able to play a lot of cricket, Dravid said.

Former India captain Rahul Dravid at the Laureus awards. Photograph: Getty Images

Dravid, who will coach India A and U-19 teams, said the youngsters will get an opportunity to impress the selectors in the upcoming series.

"Youngsters - selected for India A and U-19 team - will get chance to exhibit their talents and force selectors to take note of their performances in coming series," he said. India A is preparing for a home series against Australia A and South Africa A in July and August. 

"Asked about the new advisory panel's recommendation of increasing the overseas trips of junior teams and organising tours a year earlier in countries where the senior team are scheduled to play a major tournament or series, Dravid said,"It is a question of managing the schedule and managing the time frame - the challenge before us is where do you play in this time of the year." 

However, the ideal time for India A and U-19 teams would be to play just after IPL or before the start of domestic season, Dravid added.

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