Dravid hasn't changed too much of my technique, but he has just been giving the right confidence that a young player needs'
'Shastri told me to keep playing the way I have played so far and not change anything'
Having spent considerable time under Rahul Dravid’s tutelage in Rajasthan Royals as well as the India ‘A’ set-up, talented Karnataka batsman Karun Nair is grateful to the India batting legend for giving him the "right confidence" which has gone a long way in him earning a call-up to the Test squad.
"He (Dravid) has given me a lot of confidence in my batting. He just keeps pushing me in the right way and has always been positive. He hasn't changed too much of my technique, but he has just been giving the right confidence that a young player needs," said Nair, at his maiden press conference for the senior national team.
The 23-year-old Nair was named as a replacement player for injured Murali Vijay in India’s squad for the third and final Test against Sri Lanka, beginning on Friday.
"He doesn't talk much, doesn't get into details much and lets you play the way you have been playing all your life. He gives you the freedom to go there and express yourself," added Nair, effusive in praise of the former India captain.
Just like any other cricketer, getting the India call-up is the stuff of dreams for the Bangalore boy.
"It's a dream come true for me. For any Indian cricketer it is a dream to play for your country, so I am really excited to be part of this team. And I am looking forward to every opportunity that I get," said Nair, after taking part in Wednesday's practice session in Colombo.
For him, it is all about soaking in the atmosphere of the Indian dressing room.
"I have just had a first session, so nothing much has happened yet. But it's a great feeling to be a part of this dressing room, walk into it and talk with everyone. I spoke with (Team Director) Ravi Shastri and he told me to keep playing the way I have played so far and not change anything."
Nair said there will be no problem adjusting to the new dressing room as he has played alongside with most of the players, including state-mates K L Rahul and Stuart Binny, for a number of years now.
Binny and Ajinkya Rahane played with him for Rajasthan Royals, while he recently had a reasonable partnership with Virat Kohli while turning out for India ‘A’.
"I have been playing with them for quite a lot of years now. It does help and I have spent time with most of them. And Virat came to Chennai for the India ‘A’ game before this tour and he has been part of RCB (Royal Challengers Bangalore) as well.
"So it's great to be part of this team and I am enjoying every part of it."'
Image: Karun Nair celebrates after scoring a triple hundred for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy final against Tamil Nadu at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai in March 2015.
Photograph: PTI
