Rahul Dravid in the dark over future

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Rajasthan Royals skipper Rahul Dravid was a picture of poise on Sunday night, despite his side’s embarrassing 10-wicket defeat to the Mumbai Indians here.

It is this composure that makes him an invaluable asset for the team. The former India captain has helped groom many youngsters in the past, but after Rajasthan’s Season—V campaign came to an unexpected end, Dravid said he was not sure about his role with the side from here on.

“I really don’t know. I will take a break and decide about my role. I will have to talk to my family and the Rajasthan Royals management about my role first. My goal is to develop young players,” Dravid said.

The 39-year-old lauded youngsters like Ashok Menaria, Ajit Chandila and Ankeet Chavan for their strong displays this year.

“We have youngsters like Menaria, Chandila, Chavan and Gajendra Singh. I am sorry about local lad Gajendra. He is a fine bowler but we couldn’t give him a chance to play,” he added.

On his own performance, Dravid said, “As far as my own performance is concerned, I played my role as opener with Ajinkya to satisfaction.

I feel batting is one thing and scoring runs is another. “We need a young and talented player who can open the innings with Rahane.

He might be with some other franchise but we would try and rope him for the next season. We also have good players and hopefully make it to the playoffs next year,” he added.

On Sunday’s game, Dravid said it was the side’s worst bowling performance so far but there were still some positives to could take home.

“I feel our performance on the ground and bowling was the worst. I am disappointed but there are some positives too.

“We couldn’t make it to playoffs but have played good cricket. We had lost a few close games like the ones against Daredevils, DC and Chennai Supers Kings. We did get some chances but could not get the breakthrough,” he said.