Former Indian Cricketer-turned Coach Rahul Dravid, on Tuesday, paid a visit to a cricket event organized in Poonch. The India U19 coach was invited as the chief guest for the ongoing EHSSAS T20 Cricket Tournament, being organized by EHSSAS Foundation Poonch.

On the occasion, Indian batting legend Dravid interacted and encouraged the youngsters who came from the schools of Poonch and bordering areas at Natu Auditorium.

A total of 102 teams are participating in the tournament from nooks and corners of the Pooch -one of the most remote districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pawan Sharma, a member Organising Committee told Daily Excelsior, “Since it was a dream come true for Poonch people to meet the former international cricketer, Rahul Dravid was made Chief Guest of today’s match while Commander 93 Infantry Brigade, AS Pendharkar, was Guest of Honour.”

Meanwhile, Dravid said that he saw plenty of youngsters busy in playing cricket at tumpy, rough and bumpy surfaces, and showing their skills during his visit to Budha Amarnath and Mandi. He also believes that Jammu and Kashmir's youth have huge talent, but only need exposure to hone it.

Dravid told reporters, “I will always love to bestow tips to Jammu and Kashmir budding cricketers, who are talented but lack exposure. It is a delight to watch cricketing euphoria in nooks and corners of the State. Hard work and dedication is the ‘matra’ to succeed in every field, not to talk of cricket only.”

Dravid signed off by saying that he is always available to offer his service to any Ranji Trophy player or other young cricketers from J&K, but they have to come at Bengaluru, Mumbai or Nagpur to receive tips.