Lalchand Rajput is overjoyed that the India ‘A’ team he coached won the quadrangular series in Australia, did remarkably well in the two ‘Tests’ against Australia ‘A’ and that Kerala’s Sanju Viswanadh, Madhya Pradesh’s Naman Ojha, Uttar Pradesh’s Karn Sharma and Vidharbha’s Umesh Yadav were rewarded for their splendid showing.
Talking to The Hindu he said: “It would have been a pleasure for any coach; so I cannot be any different. I have been coaching junior teams from 2006; India under-19 and ‘A’ teams. This was my first tour to Australia with an India ‘A’ team. The team played really well. Sanju was exceptional in the quadrangular series; he has a bright future. He adjusted well; he attacked and defended according to the situation, built partnerships and was instrumental in the team’s superb win. I saw him unfold as a mature cricketer.”
Rajput began the Australia tour with a one on one chat with almost all players and asked some of them “What are they doing with the ‘A’ team in Australia when they should have been with the Indian team in England.”
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“This was one way to motivate them, especially Umesh Yadav. I told him that Kapil Dev had the hitting ability, apart from his bowling prowess, and he developed into one of the greatest all-rounders. He bowled fast and I was happy that he took five wickets and scored 90 in the second ‘Test’. Australia ‘A’ had some Test and ODI players in the squad,” said Rajput.
India ‘A’ played the two ‘Tests’ at Brisbane’s Allan Border Field that provided bounce and carry. “Every tour is an opportunity for the promising players,” said Rajput.