Coach Rahul Dravid backs KS Bharat despite unimpressive batting display

Visakhapatnam: Backing wicketkeeper KS Bharat despite his poor show with his bat, India Head Coach Rahul Dravid said he is not disappointed with him and youngsters need time to develop.

"Disappointed is a strong word. I would not use the word disappointed, to be honest. Young players need time to develop. They are growing at their own pace. As a coach, you want young players who come into the side to grab the opportunities and perform," Dravid said in the post-match press conference here.

Bharat, who came in place of an injured Rishabh Pant, failed to impress at the international level. He has managed just 221 runs in 7 Tests, without scoring a single half-century and 44 being his highest individual score against Australia back in March 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

"Bharat's wicketkeeping has been good but could have done better as a batsman. His keeping, to be honest in both the Tests, has been really good. With his batting, I am sure he will agree he could certainly have done better," Dravid said.

"He has gotten to this level because he has scored hundreds, even at the A level. He came into the series with a hundred against the Lions (England Lions). He has come in with some form, but somehow it hasn't worked for him in these couple of games," he said.

After squaring the five-match series in the second Test, India will lock horns with England in Rajkot for the third Test on February 15.