Rahul Dravid Impressed by Young Cricketers at Royals Cricket Cup 2024
Legendary Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid recently praised the talent and enthusiasm of the school girls competing in the Royals Cricket Cup 2024, one of the biggest inter-school competitions for girls in India. Known for his strong defensive play, Dravid found himself challenged as he faced a few spirited deliveries from the young players, who were excited to have a turn against the cricketing icon.
A video shared by the IPL franchise showed Dravid reacting with surprise as he was beaten by the girls’ bowling skills on two occasions. His genuine admiration for their talent quickly spread across social media, highlighting the impressive skills of these young cricketers.
The day was special for the young athletes, as they played in the final match at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. After his brief time in the batting spot, Dravid took the time to commend the girls for their bowling and engaged with the teams to celebrate their efforts.
Alongside Dravid were other notable figures, including Rajasthan Sports Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and Secretary of Sports Neeraj K Pawan. After the thrilling match, Dravid presented the winning team with their trophy and a cash award.
In a fantastic final, the Bikaner team triumphed over Kota to claim the championship. They celebrated their victory with a trophy and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, while the runner-up team, Kota, received ₹50,000 as a reward for their efforts.
The grand finale attracted a sizable crowd, with hundreds of enthusiastic fans gathered at the stadium, cheering on the young players.
"Watching these talented girls play with so much passion is a reminder of the bright future ahead for women’s cricket in India," Dravid said after the match. He emphasized that competitions like the Royals Cricket Cup offer essential exposure and help build confidence, encouraging young athletes to aim for greater heights. He congratulated all teams for their dedication and spirit.
Looking ahead, Dravid is set to return to the IPL auction on November 24 and 25. He recently took on the role of head coach for the Royals after a successful tenure as the head coach for the senior national men’s team earlier this year.
