Team India are short of match practice as they head into a high-stake Test series against South Africa, but their openers Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul are relying on the experience and inputs from their head coach Rahul Dravid, who has had a fair share of experience of playing in the rainbow nation.
Rahul has put his faith in the expertise of Dravid and said that the veteran of 164 Tests is putting his best forward to help players get the best possible preparation for the series.
Rahul also emphasized Mayank Agarwal’s long term association and bonhomie with Dravid, who was heading India A setup while the opener was doing the hard yards to earn a place in the India Test side and said that his presence has been a massive boost for the squad before the tour.
"Having Rahul Dravid with us this time is very helpful. He has played a lot of cricket here, he has scored a lot of runs. In the three or four days of training that we have had, he has had a lot of experiences to share and he is really helping us prepare the best we can. That's a huge boost for us," Rahul said.
"I think you've [Mayank Agarwal] had a great experience with him playing in India As and you've played a lot of cricket under him," Rahul added.
Mayank highlighted Dravid’s role in helping one in “understanding your game, understanding yourself and understanding your mind space” while playing at the highest level. He said that Dravid has also put efforts to prepare players for stiff challenges and the story has not been any different in South Africa where they have been involved in gruelling practice sessions despite not playing any competitive cricket.
"For me personally, he has just been a person who talks about understanding your game, understanding yourself and understanding your mind space. If you can work that out, sort that out then more often than not you are giving yourself the best possible chance to succeed. Knowing him, he is a man who really thrives and puts the onus on good, strong preparation. We've had quality sessions over here [South Africa] and we are really looking forward to playing the Test match," Mayank said.
India will start their campaign in South Africa on December 26 followed by two Tests and three-match long ODI series.